February 2019 Seawords

Seaw rds The Marine Option Program Newsletter

February 2019

“Not only should we worry about coral 8 bleaching, human-induced climate change

is bringing about an additional problem: ocean acidification.”

2018 FALL MOP GRADUATION ISRS CONSENSUS ON CORAL BLEACHING AND OCEAN ACIDIFICATION WHALE JAIL

February 2019 Articles

Volume XXXIII, Number 2

Page 3: Letter from the Editor Page 4: 2018 Fall MOP Graduation Page 6: Ocean Updates Page 8: ISRS Consensus on Coral Bleaching and Ocean Acidification Page 9: Critter of the Month Page 10: Marine Mammal of the Month Page 12: Shipwreck of the Month Page 14: Ocean Art Page 14: Generation Blue Page 16: DOE awards $1.3 million to UH Mānoa for Marine Energy Research Projects Page 17: Whale Jail Page 18: Generation Blue Page 19: Hanauma Bay: Calendar of Events Page 20: Flashback: 2008 Page 21: MOP Calendar of Events

About the Photography -Cover: Laszlo Ilyes, Flickr -Table of Contents: Bernard Spragg NZ, Flickr -Generation Blue: Tchami, Flickr -DOE awards $1.3 million to UH Mānoa for Marine Energy Research Projects: Katie Wheeler, Flickr.

-Whale Jail: Rich Jacques, Flickr.

-February Calendar of Events: Cord Cardinal, Flickr -Back cover: Olivier Roux, Flickr -2018 Fall MOP Graduation: Emily Gootgeld, UHM MOP Student Coordinator -All uncredited photos by: MOP -Disclaimer: any photo taken from flickr.com is used under the Creative Commons License and is credited appropriately with links to the user’s flickr account.

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Letter from the Editor

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loha,

Welcome to the February 2019 issue of Seawords! Get informed about the latest news on coral bleaching, whale captivity and marine renewable energy in this month’s issue. First, checkout the MOP 2018 Graduates on page 4. Give them a congratulatory hug or high five the next time you see them! Way to go, MOP grads! Want to know more about what global warming is doing to the ocean? Kayla White, UHM MOP student, writes about the ISRS Consensus on Coral Bleaching and Ocean Acidification on page 8. Love whales? Find out what’s really going on in the world when it comes to captive whales with Kelsey Loenhorst’s article on page 17.

Don’t feel blue - cheer yourself up with reports on promising marine energy research projects and fun facts about the pom-pom crab (Lybia edmondsoni) and leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)! Don’t forget to check the MOP calendar of events so that you never have to miss a fun MOP outing again!

What would you like to see more of in Seawords? Send us your thoughts!

Mahalo,

Jenny Johnson, Seawords Editor Seawords

Volume XXXIII, Number 2, February 2019 Editor: Jenny Johnson Dr. Cynthia Hunter (éminence grise) Jeffrey Kuwabara (éminence grise) Seawords- Marine Option Program University of Hawai‘i, College of Natural Sciences 2450 Campus Road, Dean Hall 105A Honolulu, HI 96822-2219 Telephone: (808) 956-8433 Email: <seawords@hawaii.edu> Website: <http://www.hawaii.edu/mop> Seawords is the monthly newsletter of the Marine Option Program at the University of Hawai‘i. Opinions expressed herein are not necessariliy those of the Marine Option Program or of the University of Hawai‘i.

Suggestions and submissions are welcome. Submissions may include articles, photography, art work, or anything that may be of interest to the marine community in Hawai‘i and around the world.

All photos are taken by MOP unless otherwise credited.

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2018 Fall MOP Graduation By: Jenny Johnson, Editor

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he Marine Option Program hosted its 93rd graduation ceremony on December 7, 2018 at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM).

Among the attendees were MOP students, staff and graduates from UH Mānoa. Keynote speaker and JIMAR/NOAA Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Supervisor. Liz Kashinsky, was also there to give a speech on Hawaiian monk seal research field camps.

Kate Cockerille and Tyler Lum represented UHM MOP at the graduation. Cockerille received a MOP certificate in Shark Research while Lum received his certificate in Marine Education. Students Todd McViney of UH Maui College and Mia Melamed of Kapi‘olani Community College were awarded MOP certificates but were unable to attend the event. McViney’s certificate was in Coral Husbandry and Melamed was awarded a certificate in Intertidal Ecology.

gan at Windward Community College (WCC), then took a small break from school to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. She then decided to enroll in school once again, this time at UH Mānoa, where she would receive her MOP certificate in animal husbandry in May of 1997. Her time at UHM was filled with work at the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, a MOP internship at Coconut Island working with marine mammals, and volunteer work with seals at the Waikīkī Aquarium.

Eventually, her career path led her to the position she holds currently as the JIMAR/NOAA Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Supervisor.

Kashinsky has been to many monk seal research field camps and is currently trying to build the volunteer program. Students who attended graduation were very interested in all aspects of the field camps, many hoping they could be a part of one sometime soon. Kashinsky warmly welcomed any questions and encouraged students to reach out to her to find out more about the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program. Dr. Cynthia Hunter ended the ceremony with kind remarks about Kashinsky, MOP Coordinator Jeff Kuwabara, MOP student staff and of course, the proud graduates.

Before the students were awarded their certificates, attendees enjoyed an array of foods and beverages - thanks to everyone who came with a delicious dish. Everyone agreed that it was the best food at any MOP event thus far. As hungry students enjoyed their dinner, Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator, introduced special guest and keynote speaker, Liz Kashinsky. Kashinsky Congrats to all of the MOP graduates. We see your hard was the perfect person to have as the keynote speaker work and we are so proud of you! n as she was once a MOP student herself. Kashinsky be4| Seawords

UHM MOP Graduate: Kate Cockerille MOP Certificate Title: Shark Research

UHM MOP Graduate: Tyler Lum MOP Certificate Title: Marine Education

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cean updates

By: Nick Yoshioka, UHM MOP Student

“IF WE KEEP PRODUCING (AND FAILING TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF) PLASTICS AT PREDICTED RATES, PLASTICS IN THE OCEAN WILL OUTWEIGH FISH POUND FOR POUND IN 2050,” WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM.

Real Deep Conservation The deep sea is one of the most unexplored areas on Earth. With today’s technology, scientists are just now beginning to understand what goes on in the deepest parts of our planet. As we discover more about what goes on beneath us, scientists are racing to uncover the mysteries of our oceans.

On December 13, 2018, Real Deep Conservation VR was awarded the $20,000 Con X Tech grand prize for their development of a 360-degree, virtual reality camera designed to monitor the deep sea. Named after the Star Wars character, the ACKBAR -- Autonomous Camera for Kraken Baiting and Recording -- traveled as far down as 621 meters (over 2000 ft) and captured footage of aquatic life including several species of chimaera, squid, shrimp, sea stars, siphonophores, jellies, lanternfish, and hagfish. Along with its amazing performance, the benefit of conducting research with this deep sea camera far outweighs the current use deep-sea research vessels. For one, it is far less expensive. A deep-sea research vessel can cost scientists thousands of dollars a day, yet the ACKBAR only requires the money to cover gas of a small boat. In the team’s case, it cost about $300. In addition, The ACKBAR can be readily deployed. Research vessels take hours to prepare and the experiment may drag out for the entire day.

Purple octopus in a deep ocean trench. Photo by: INDEX 2010: Indonesia-USA Deep-Sea Exploration of the Sangihe Talaud Region, Flickr.

Argentina Leads the Way in Marine Conservation

Argentina is starting to look like a world leader in ocean conservation, creating two new marine protected areas covering the size of Hungary. The first protected area is located off the southern tip of Argentina called Yaganes - nicknamed “the end of the world” - and the second is called Namuncurá-Burdwood Bank II located Real Deep Conservation VR’s low-cost response camera in the South Atlantic. Together, both parks cover up to was made to detect any threat that may impose itself on 37,000 miles, protecting over 8% of marine water in Arthe deep sea environment, i.e. oil spills, trawling nets, gentina and serving as a very strong public figure for mining of hydrothermal vents, etc. Their mission for conservation awareness. Up until then, Argentina’s mathe future is to give access to these cameras to everyone, rine protected areas were managed by the government’s from young school kids to inspired adults. With the use fisheries department. And unlike other countries, Arof virtual reality and 360-degree videos, the team hopes gentina’s fisheries department seemed more concerned to extract entertainment values from the deep, rather about their commercial interests rather than their acts than extracting resources. of sustainability. For example, in the United States, our government funds agencies like the National Oceanic 6| Seawords

International Space Station over Southern Argentina. Photo by: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Flickr. and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to control and regulate fishing companies to prevent overfishing.

NOAA ensures that each fishery stays within a calculated limit of fish catch. Each boat is supplied with an observer that records the amount of fish, the species, and the location of every fish they catch, including all the bycatch. This allows NOAA to look at specific trends in the areas where the fishing occurs. With this information, NOAA sets the fishing limits for the next year/season and can ban or recommend different fishing techniques to lessen the chance of bycatch. In the United States, NOAA plays a very important role in regulating different fish populations so that fishing may continue for years to come. Without a sustainable fishing practice, however, fish populations dwindle and impose dramatic effects on the marine ecosystem. With this realization, Sofia Heinonen, president of the Fundación Flora y Fauna Argentina (plants and animals foundation), began her movement to change the governmental control of these marine areas. Establishing these two protected areas, Argentina creates both a healthier environment and basis upon which they can make the next marine sanctuary.

self-operating ocean garbage collector. One question that continued to concern Boyan and his team, however, is how the machine will fair against the test of time and the erosive effects of the ocean. Will their extraordinary device rid the oceans of our plastic? Or will it fall short under inevitable circumstances and add to our crowded waters? Their curiosity was cut short as a recent setback has been announced through the news that the machine is currently being towed back from the Pacific Garbage Patch to San Francisco for repairs. After losing a 60foot end piece full of plastic, the team decided to analyze the problem to prevent further loss and make improvements to the machine so that it may be more effective in the future. The 60-foot break is suspected to be the result of metal fatigue -- a simple problem to spot, but a difficult solution to find. Boyan Slat, obviously disappointed, continues to look towards the brighter side of things and says that setbacks like this are inevitable when facing these kinds of problems. This is one of many learning lessons we will face in the future, and we will continue to grow and improve until the Pacific Garbage Patch is plastic-free. n

Great Pacific Garbage Patch Setback The campaign to rid the ocean of plastic pollution finally reached its turning point on September 2018 as a giant, floating trash-collector departed out of San Francisco on a mission to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Boyan Slat, a 24 year-old Dutch College dropout, managed to raise over $30 million in just 5 years the

Boyan Slat in 2015. Photo by: Nor-Shipping, Flickr.

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ISRS Consensus on Coral Bleaching and Ocean Acidification By: Kayla White, UHM MOP Student

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he International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) is the leading coral reef association internationally, made up of coral reef scientists and managers from all over the world. In the International Year of the Reef in 2018, the ISRS called on nations to implement the Paris Agreement and take drastic environmental actions by 2030 in order to keep global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees (Celsius) over the pre-industrial period.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the surface of the world’s oceans has warmed at a faster rate than anything we have recorded in history, including millionyear-old fossil records. This is because of the changes in the composition of the atmosphere, but mostly because of the carbon dioxide (CO2) increase. Some is out of our control, but we are responsible for the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation which has accelerated over the last 50 years. If this continues at the rate it is, tropical waters will be 3-4 degrees (Celsius) warmer by 2100.

Not only should we worry about coral bleaching, human-induced climate change is bringing about an additional problem: ocean acidification. Ocean acidification is from the increased CO2 in the atmosphere entering the ocean, reacting mildly, and decreasing the pH. By changing the seawater chemistry, it affects the metabolism, sensory systems, reproductive stages, and calcification of corals and other reef dwellers.

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Coral reef. Photo by: Lars Plougman, Flickr.

Just like the increased rates of coral bleaching, ocean acidification is taking place at a faster rate than ever seen over the past 65 million years, and maybe even the past 300 million years. Scientists are worried that at the rate the ocean is acidifying, corals and reef organisms won’t have enough time to adapt to their changing environment. This would result in a slower recovery from other impacts like disease, predation and destructive fishing.

Reduction of CO2 concentrations to the level of recovery to save the coral reef ecosystems will require major initiatives to reduce emissions and our carbon footprint. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report warns that global warming is likely to grow 1.5 degrees (Celsius) between 2030 and 2052 if we continue as usual. With this in mind, we only have 12 years to make changes and not surpass this limit. Allowing a warming of 2 degree (Celsius) will significantly worsen the risks of disasters like drought, poverty of millions of people, extreme heat and the loss of almost all of our coral reefs.

The IPCC Special Report plans out ways we can achieve this by a combination of land use and technological change. By reforesting, we can turn towards a greater adoption of carbon capture technology. Rapid changes would need to happen, but the cost of not doing anything is much greater. Our coral reefs are a sign of how urgent it is to take action as soon as possible. n

critter of the Month By: Madison Thiele, UHH MOP Student

Pom-pom crab or Hawaiian boxer crab (Lybia edmondsoni)

Hawaiian Name: Kūmimi pua Distribution: Endemic to Hawai‘i Size: up to 13 mm Diet: Mysis shrimp, small fish and clams Coloration: Polygonal patterns of pink, yellow and orange Habitat: Shallow water along Hawai‘i Depth: Shallow water down to 20 meters

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he pom-pom crab is an endemic species to Hawai‘i, also known by its Hawaiian name, kūmimi pua, which means the inedible flower crab. The English names comes from the action of parading its stinging anemones like a cheerleader with pom-poms, whereas the name Hawaiian boxer crab comes from the aggressive response to threats. This species of crab is generally no bigger than the size of a quarter, and the body is banded with purple stripes. Other colors that are commonly found on pom-pom crabs range from shades of orange to pink. Since the carapace of the crab is so colorful, it blends in with the rocks and corals that it lives in, making it harder to spot.

The pom-poms on the crab aren’t actually a part of the crab at all. These pom-poms are in fact sea anemones that the crab picks up and uses for protection and to help forage for food. The relationship between the crab and the sea anemones is mutualistic because the sea anemones also receive sustenance while attached to the claws of the crab.

Since this crab is endemic to Hawai‘i, it is of general concern. If any major changes were to occur in Hawai‘i’s waters, these crabs could lose a good portion of their population, resulting in genetic bottlenecking, and could potentially wipe out the entire species. n

Pom-pom crab (Lybia edmondsoni). By Jen R., Flickr.

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By: Kyleigh Kuball, UHM MOP Student

Leopard Seal Marine Mammal of the Month:

Leopard Seal

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Species: Delphinidae Scientific Name: Hydrurga leptonyx Range: Antarctic waters, fast ice, pack ice Diet: Warm-blooded marine organisms, squid, crustaceans Size: 354 kg, 3m(10ft)

eopard seals are unique creatures. Not only are they the only seal to prey on warm blooded organisms but are so solitary that very little is known about them and their habits. These crea-

tures live in the frigid waters of the Antarctic yet cannot dive for extended periods of time (only 15 minutes or so). This would seem as though they would be easy to spot yet they still elude researchers. Basic facts such as

Two leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) laying on Antarctic ice. Photo by: ravas51, Flickr.

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the way they hunt. Leopard seals are stealthy and will wait under the ice in order to catch a diving penguin or juvenile crabeater seal. Leopard seals will sneak up on their prey in this way and then once captured thrash the unlucky organism until it is able to be consumed.

Their breeding habits however remain a mystery.

They tend to raise their young on pack ice, hiding their offspring in dens and then going out to hunt.

Males have been witnessed â&#x20AC;&#x153;singingâ&#x20AC;? underwater to potentially attract mates but the entire courtship ritual is unknown. Common breeding grounds remain to be discovered and the fact that this creature tends to live in solidarity creates difficulty in finding and tracking this organism at just the right time in which they can find a mate and produce offspring.

As for their territory, leopard seals have been seen as far North as Heron Island near the Great Barrier Reef but tend to remain in the Antarctic where they can inhabit pack ice and utilize fast ice.

Many leopard seal territories overlap with that of crabeater seals. In addition, raising their offspring tends to occur on pack ice so many stay close to the Antarctic. While not an endangered species Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) peeking out of Antarctic waters. this organism depends on the Antarctic and sea Photo by: Gilad Rom, Flickr. ice to live. With the melting of sea ice its habitat will change drastically and is another organism to diet, size, and tendencies are known about leopard seals be considered when talking about climate change but much is left to be learned. and the need for resolution. n Leopard seals can weigh up to 500 kg (1102lbs) and be 3.7m (12ft) long with females being quite a bit larger than the males. Males tend to weigh around 363kg (800lbs). They appear earless and have mouths that can open to an incredible width. Their teeth are unique in that they are that of a hunter (sharp and pointed) but have teeth in the back of their mouths that help filter for krill in the early stages of their life. On average, leopard seals live for about 12 to 15 years but have been recorded living to 26 years.

The leopard seal diet consists of penguins, other seals, squid, krill and fish. While they may have received their name for the pattern on their skin, they certainly would match their counterpart on land through

Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) with a frosty nose. Photo by: nomis-simon, Flickr.

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Shipwreck of the Month: Manasoo By: Courtney Kingery, UHM MOP Student

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ailors have been travelling across the Great Lakes since the 1600s and still do to this day. With a high amount of traffic, there are more opportunities for accidents to occur in this area. There are a suspected 7,000 ships at the bottom of the Great Lakes but only 2,000 have been discovered. It is the goal of researcher Cris Kohl to uncover as many shipwrecks as he and his team can, and as they do so, they are helping close the gaps in historical knowledge. Cold fresh water helps preserve both the shipwrecks and the stories locked within their hulls.

In 1928, the Manasoo sank in the Georgian Bay. This ship is well preserved with the rooms being identifiable and the pilot house unscathed, which is rare in a ship- The propellor of the Monohansett, in the Great Lakes. Photo by: NOAA Thunder Bay wreck. But just because the woodNational Marine Sanctuary, Flickr. en wheel is in place after 90 years of being in the bottom of the Great In mid-September of 1928, the stern started to take on Lakes does not mean this ship is going anywhere anywater, most likely because a hatch was left open by accitime soon. Neither is the 1927 Chevy Coupe that has dent. Once the captain noticed something wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t right, been patiently waiting to drive to its destination for alhe tried to steer the ship to the closest piece of land but most 100 years. This car is a topic of conversation bethis maneuver was unsuccessful. In the end, 16 passencause it is the only one so far that has been found within gers and around 100 cows died as the ship sank to the a shipwreck in Lake Huron. Similar to modern ferries bottom of Lake Huron, with the front of the ship lifted which transport people and their vehicles to various upwards, in excellent condition. Historical records exports, this steamer was carrying people, livestock and plain that one lifeboat was in the water when large waves this intact Chevy to Owen Sound. Interestingly enough, and possible cattle movement caused the ship to roll on the owner of this vehicle was one of five passengers who its side before it started its vertical descent. Roy Fox, the survived the ordeal. oiler on the ship, was sucked under but somehow made

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Shipwreck Norman in Lake Huron. Photo by: NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Flickr. it to the surface and found the one lifeboat which saved his life.

The wheel of a sunken ship in Lake Huron. Photo by: Michael Schout, Flickr.

When hearing this story, it is hard to believe that someone would forget to close a door that important to the buoyancy of a ship. Come to find out, there is a belief that a ship will have bad luck if its name is ever changed. The Macassa, built in 1888 was relocated in 1927, where she was then named Manasoo. Coincidence? Probably, but tales like this fuel the superstition.

Shipwreck researcher Kohl will continue to search for the remaining ships in the Great Lakes, hoping to have the same luck finding a well-preserved and historically interesting shipwreck like they did with the Manasoo this summer, in 2018. n

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ocean art

Child of t

By: Rachel Afala

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ince childhood, Jessica grew up near the ocean, loving the beauty of coral reefs and hearing legends of deities told by my family members.

Colorful shells in different sizes and hanging sheer blue curtains garnished the windowsill framing the perfect view of the ocean from the living room.

Everyday, Jessica loved seeing the ocean just before the night’s arrival as the sky above was painted peacock blue melting into a marigold orange when the sun sets, creating a phenomenon called the Green Flash.

The shimmering waters with the hues of blue ascend from turquoise to midnight blue, the damp sand under Jessica’s feet kissed by the tide, and gentle aroma of hibiscus mixed with the salty ocean.

Jessica wanted to know more about the beautiful ocean and longed to discover all the secrets hidden beneath the brutal waves and the alluring surface of the water.

Rachel’s poem was chosen from a collection of poems submitted to us by Eric Paul Shaffer, an HCC English Professor, and written by his English 201: Creative Writing class.

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the Ocean

ava, HCC Student

“Rachel Afalava is a student at Honolulu Community College. She works part-time as a sales associate for Nature Republic in Pearlridge, Aiea. Her hobbies are origami, drawing, and collecting crystals. During her free time, Rachel likes to work on model kits. Right now, Rachel is completing her AA degree in Liberal Arts. From there, she hopes to work on a degree in agriculture to become an Agricultural Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.” -Afalava

Photo by: Raghunath Thirumalaisamy, Flickr.

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DOE awards $1.3 million to UH Mānoa for Marine Energy Research Projects By: Paula Alcoseba, UH Maui MOP Student

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espite being in the middle of the longest running government shutdown in U.S. history, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $25 million in research and development projects for next-generation wave energy devices.

surface and making various shape changes away from a simple disk, the team can alter that flow through the opening such that it moves in one direction only—allowing a conventional hydro turbine to be used to produce energy.

“Our calculations suggest that this can be a powergeneration methodology that produces encouragingly low-cost electricity,” said Patrick Cross, HNEI lead researcher. “To date, wave-energy conversion is still in the category of very early stage research and development, and costs remain quite high. We feel we have an approach that can lead to lowering costs–through high-conversion efficiency and relatively low, up-front costs–as compared to technologies under development elsewhere.”

“Advancing next-generation marine energy will help the U.S. ensure a secure, reliable, and enduring supply of American energy,” said Under Secretary of Energy Mark Menezes. “These early-stage research and development projects are key to the development of water power as part of DOE’s ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy.” Funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Water Power Technologies Office, 12 innovative projects were designed with the goal to reduce capital costs and accelerThe origin of the concept was from graduate research ate innovation by testing new concepts. Selections were conducted by Richard Carter, who completed his docmade across three topic areas: toral degree in SOEST’s Department of Ocean Resourc• Early Stage Device Design Research es Engineering (ORE). Carter continued to develop the • Controls and Power Take Off Design Integration concept as an independent researcher, and joined forces and Testing with several experts from University of Hawai‘i (UH) • Dissemination of Environmental Data and Analyses and ORE. to Facilitate the Marine Energy Regulatory Process According to Cross, “This project can be seen as one of The first two aim to address fundamental scientific and many that are building toward Hawaii’s renewable enengineering challenges of generating power from dy- ergy goals. Wave energy is likely years away from true namic waves and currents. The third topic area is tar- commercial viability in terms of grid-scale power progeted to provide better information to reduce the costs duction, but other non-grid applications of wave enerand time to permit projects. UH Mānoa is part of the gy may be much more achievable in the near term, and Early Stage Device Design Research team and will ad- given that the wave energy resource around Hawaiʻi is vance its wave energy converter concept and conduct excellent, it’s important that we at UH add our talents to testing in the open ocean. the advancement of this emerging field. In concert with our many contributions to Navy and DOE objectives The Wave Focusing Energy Converter is based on the at the Wave Energy Test Site, selection for this award idea that a submerged disk with an opening at the cenby DOE allows us to take an important additional step ter will focus wave energy and create concentrated flow toward wave energy advancement at UH Mānoa and through that opening. By placing the device near the HNEI.” n 16| Seawords

Whale Jail By: Kelsey Loenhorst, UHM MOP Student

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t is hard to imagine 100 whales in the same place at the same time, let alone stuffed into pens the size of a backyard pool. Prosecutors are investigating a site which has been dubbed, “whale jail” by media.

The whales are being held in pens in Russia near the city of Nakhodka, where they await suspected sale to Chinese theme parks according to local media reports. Reports and photos show that the company has captured 11 orca whales (Orcinus orca) and 90 belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), all crammed into collective pens with armed guards monitoring the perimeter.

So why is Russia caging so many of these animals? They make a fortune on the black market. An individual orca whale can sell for up to $6 million to Chinese dolphinariums. However not all of it is illegal--in Russia they do have certain laws allowing for whale capture. The law only applies to whale capture if for scientific, educational, or cultural purposes. But in this case, for commercial purposes, it is strictly outlawed. The report claims the virtually unregulated activity of four companies controls the market for capturing and exporting marine animals, with some of the whales having been kept in crowded confinements since July.

Many drone and helicopter shots of the closely-knit quarters have been trending on social media sparking the attention of many activists. Greenpeace Russia explains that given the size of the tanks, many of the whales must be calves. The capture of whale calves is forbidden under Russian law even for scientific or educational reasons. Greenpeace went on to describe the pens as “torture,” and warned that capturing whales in

these numbers threatens the animal’s population in the long term.

Project leader at Greenpeace Russia, Oganes Targulyan, stated he understands that the law permits the capture of 13 whales per year yet, “no one is taking into ac-

Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Photo by: Bob, Flickr.

count that at least one orca is killed for every one that is caught.”

Killer whales are currently on the U.S Endangered Species List; environmentalists are concerned if they continue to be captured at this rate, we may lose the species forever. n FEBRUARY 2019 |17

Actions for the Ocean

GENERATION

BLUE By: Kyleigh Kuball, UHM MOP Student

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s a college student it can be difficult to always choose the more sustainable and “green” option when trying to live life, work and study. However, it is not impossible and, especially in Hawai‘i, it can often save some money, allow us to meet new people and learn new skills when trying to take care of the land and ocean that we love. n

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Farmer’s Markets Hawai‘i used to be self-sustaining but with the rise of the tourist industry and more farmland being turned towards other endeavors such as housing, hotels, landfills, etc., much of Hawai‘i’s capacity for food production has been destroyed. Hawai‘i now imports roughly 80 percent of its food supply. To fix this issue and save some money, students can go to the local farmer’s markets. Produce tends to be much cheaper and fresher, and cooking rather than eating out is a great skill to cultivate. In addition, these markets often have flyers for events around the island. Look online for times and locations-there tends to be more than one close by.

THE OCEAN SPANS OVER 70 PERCENT OF OUR WORLD. It is responsible for regulating temperature, food production, sustaining numerous species, and is a source for inspiration for many people.The ocean gives us so much and it is time for us to return the favor and take actions to make the ocean ecosystem healthy again.

Almost every action that we take affects the ocean in some way. Our everyday choices can be tailored to support a healthy ocean. Here are some examples of green acts that will keep the ocean blue.

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Commute Not only does gas usage contribute to global warming but it also causes runoff into our oceans and soil contamination. Gas and oil are nonpoint source pollutants, resulting in runoff due to rain water taking the pollutants to rivers, coastal waters and soil.

An easy way to help alleviate this problem would be to reduce car usage to school/ work. Carpooling, taking the bus, biking or even walking may be a better option. If those options do not work for your lifestyle, driving an electric car or even a more fuel-efficient vehicle would be beneficial. Not only does this help the environment but it saves money on gas and parking.

Reuse Reusing materials that will help keep pollution out of our oceans. When it comes to groceries, a lot is kept in plastic bags and containers. Plastic packaging used for berries or tomatoes is great for creating a miniature greenhouse to germinate seeds. Old plastic bottles can be used for self-watering planters, find the link here: (https://www.budget101.com/content.php/4644-MYO-Self-Watering-Planters). Starting a garden on a windowsill also helps in reducing the need for imports and so many trips to the grocery store. As well, the clothing industry can often have a big strain on the environment. Dyes and plastic fibers from the clothing industry are one of the leading polluters, they contribute to the microplastics that are accumulating in our ocean.

Going to thrift stores, secondhand clothing shops or looking for brands that reuse fabric (such as H&M or Patagonia) are great when trying to save material.

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Participate Participating in local clean-ups and environmental festivals can be a great way to learn more about the environment and what you can do to help. Clean-ups can help with keeping trash out of the ocean and streams and preventing pollution on wildlife. Many communities just in Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i alone have a clean-up each month as well as festivals for Earth day and holidays. In addition, as much as it can be frustrating, participating in politics will help determine how the environment will be taken care of in the future. Voting can be a first step for many and nowadays many states allow registration online and a ballot to be mailed to front doors. In addition, calling and talking to the representatives (https://www. house.gov/representatives) can also let voices be heard about any issue.

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FEBRUARY 2019 Research Technology

✿ FEBRUARY 7

• Using drones and tags to study whales • Lars Bejder

• Marine Mammal Research Program • Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

✿ FEBRUARY 14

• We love technology & data -- Do you?

• Fiona Langenberger

✿ FEBRUARY 21

• Mappin’ the floor and forest of the weird at Johnston Atoll • John Smith • Oceanography, SOEST • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

✿ FEBRUARY 28 • HOT: it’s about time

• Oceanography, SOEST, CMORE • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

• Pac IOOS • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HANAUMA BAY SEMINARS: Science Talks or Educational Films Thursday evenings at Hanauma Bay

6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Admission FREE Parking FREE after 4 P.M.

20| Seawords

Can’t make it to Hanauma Bay? Watch seminars live on YouTube, at Hanauma Talks Questions? Call #397-5840 or email hbaynews@hawaii.edu

FLASHBACK: 2008 By: Jenny Johnson, Editor

T

his month, we travel back to the March 2008 issue of Seawords, when our very own UHM MOP Coordinator, Jeff Kuwabara, led MOP students on the 4.8 mile round-trip scenic hike through the Ka‘ena Point trail to Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve. Kuwabara informed students of plant and animal species seen along the way and also gave important history lessons about the area. The hike provided sights of many native Hawaiian plants, including: pā‘ū o Hi‘iaka, ‘ohai, naupaka kahakai, naio and ‘ilima papa. After the long and picturesque walk, students arrived at the Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve where they observed Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) in the native shrubs and a resting monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) laying on the soft, tan sand. Students stopped to relax and enjoy the scenery and each other’s company before heading out on the 2.4 mile hike back. n

FEBRUARY 2019 |21

February Photo Credit: Cord Cardinal, Flickr

Sun.

Next month: March

Mon.

Tues.

Wed.

March 2: Kayaking Trip March TBA: Tour of Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center March 18-22: Spring Break March 26: Kuhio Day (No School)

3

4

5

QUEST Limu ID Class Dean Hall 104 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

10

11

6

QUEST Limu I Dean Hall 104 6:00 p.m. - 9:00

12

13

19

20

QUEST ID Exam Dean Hall 104 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

17

18

Maritime Archaeology Symposium TBD 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

President’s Day No School

24

25

22| Seawords

QUEST Applic

26

27

ID Classes

0 p.m.

cation Due

MOP & Community Events

Thurs.

Fri.

1

Sat.

2 Hike to Makapu‘u Tidepools Makapu‘u 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

7

8

9

15

16

Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

14

Maritime Archaeology Symposium TBD 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

21 Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

22

23 Humpback Whale Count Spitting Cave 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

28 Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2019 |23

University of Hawai`i at MÄ noa Seawords, Marine Option Program College of Natural Sciences 2450 Campus Road, Dean Hall 105A Honolulu, HI 96822-2219 Address Service Requested

Thank you for reading!