April 2019 Seawords by Marine Option Program

Seaw rds The Marine Option Program Newsletter

April 2019

“Global warming due to atmospheric change is likely a factor of why this disease has spread so fast.”

HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT 10 OCEAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS NOAA MARINE LIFE GUIDELINES

April 2019 Articles

Volume XXXIII, Number 4

Page 3: Letter from the Editor Page 4: Whale Count Page 6: 10 Ocean Friendly Restaurants on O‘ahu Page 9: Deckshoes Page 10: Critter of the Month Page 12: Sun Study: sunflower sea star population in peril Page 14: Marine Mammal of the Month Page 16: NOAA Marine Life Guidelines Page 18: This is not a drill: Norwegian company inches closer to drilling into Australia’s famous Bight Page 19: Shipwreck of the Month Page 20: Ocean Art Page 22: Generation Blue Page 24: Hanauma Bay: Calendar of Events Page 25: Flashback: 2011 Page 26: MOP Calendar of Events

About the Photography -Cover: MOP -Table of Contents: Ashala Tylor, Flickr -April Calendar of Events: Sam Beebe, Flickr -Back cover: Chris Buelow, Flickr -NOAA Marine Life Guidelines: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) by: Dr. Mridula Srinivasan/NOAA/NMFS/OST/ AMD, Flickr; Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) by: Steve Jurvetson, Flickr; Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) by: NOAA/ PIFSC/HMSRP, Flickr; Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) by: Papahānaumokuākea -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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Whale-come to the April 2019 issue of Seawords! We have some very special articles in store for you. Want to help the environment and still enjoy all of the fun restaurants around O‘ahu? Tun to page 6 to find out which ocean-friendly restaurant you should go to next! If you spend a lot of time in the ocean or on the beach, it probably means you witness a plethora of marine life. But are you aware of the NOAA Marine Life Viewing Guidelines? Take a look at these guidelines on page 16! Want to help save the coral? Find out steps you can take to help keep coral safe in MOP student, Nick Yoshoka’s article, Generation Blue. Don’t miss the special whale flashback you won’t believe on page 25! What would you like to see more of in Seawords? Send us your thoughts! Mahalo for reading,

Jenny Johnson, Seawords Editor Seawords

Volume XXXIII, Number 4, April 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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Humpback Whale Count

By: Jenny Johnson, Editor

Students and volunteers wait patiently for the next breach. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator.

t’s humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) season in Hawai‘i and that means MOP students participated in another whale count for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS). The sanctuary was created in 1992 and is administered by NOAA and partnered with DLNR. Whale counts are held the last Saturday of January, February and March of each year, since these months are peak season. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to get involved and help with the efforts to continue to protect and document humpbacks in Hawai‘i. Sleepy-eyed students gathered

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MOP students, Kayla White and Jacey Reinkin enjoy the view at Spitting Cave. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator.

MOP students, Julia Wente and Ashleigh Epps ensure that everyone is staying on task. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator. at the MOP office at 6:45 am to be on the road to Spitting Cave, where the whale count is held, by 7 am sharp. Once we arrived, MOP students took the small hike down to Spitting Cave where MOP students in charge of the count, Julia Wente and Ashleigh Epps, greeted us. They both handed out documenting sheets to all participants to record how many humpbacks were seen every half hour, what behaviors the humpbacks were displaying and whether the whales seen were alone or a mother and calf pair. We also recorded weather conditions, glare and surf conditions. The excitement of the day started immediately with participants witnessing breaches and tail slaps before the start time of 8 am. The whale sightings were almost non-stop until around 10 am when they began to slow. Wente and Epps informed us that the humpback count was lower than last year, which they speculated was the result of lack of food in Alaskan waters. From about 10 am to 12 pm, students began exploring Spitting Cave and looking for the most insta-worthy spots to take photos. While we

were mainly focused on the humpback whales, it was a real treat to see a monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) swim by and four Hawaiian green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) swim around for hours in the waters just below us. By the end of the count, I had recorded about 55 humpback whales. I was under the impression that was a high number until other students informed me that they had seen many more last year. Hopefully next year the number of humpbacks will increase rather than decrease. It is always a great opportunity to be involved in the annual humpback whale count. Thank you to all of the students who participated in the count and a special thank you to Wente and Epps for your help, guidance and snacks! n

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10 Ocean Friendly Restaurants on O‘ahu Clownfish (Amphiprioninae). By: Oliver.Dodd, Flickr.

By: Kelsey Loenhorst, UHM MOP Student

Love a clean ocean? So do these restaurants! On O‘ahu there are plenty of restaurants that qualify as ocean

friendly. However, do you know what the qualifications are to rate this title? An ocean friendly restaurant is one that follows these five criteria, according to Surfrider Foundation: 1. No EPS foam (“styrofoam”) use; take-out food containers are recyclable (in your area) or compostable. 2. Only reusable tableware is used for onsite dining, and disposable utensils for takeout food are provided upon request. 3. Proper recycling practices are followed throughout the restaurant. 4. No plastic bags are offered for takeout or to-go orders. 5. Straws are provided upon request only. There are some amazing restaurants that follow these five criteria on our island! Some go above and beyond and refuse to sell bottled beverages, some offer discounts to customers who bring in reusable products, and some follow water conservation standards in their area. These businesses are taking steps to a cleaner future for our oceans and acknowledging them for their efforts is the least we can do. Thanks to Surfrider’s hard work finding and acknowledging all of the ocean friendly restaurants on O‘ahu, we’ve selected 10 restaurants below; check them out on your next night out on the town!n

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Mud Hen Water Mud Hen Water is the English translation of Wai‘alae, which is the name of where this restaurant is located on the south side of the island. The chef is local-grown Ed Kenney and his menu is a modern interpretation of Hawaiian dishes. The kitchen only serves up sustainably caught or farmed fish; therefore, guests can expect an ever-changing menu featuring the freshest ingredients. They also operate without styrofoam and single-use plastics!

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The Nook is located just around the corner from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in Puck’s Alley. Tucked away in a corner, the restaurant offers a cute, local café ambience with new American cuisine. They only offer local produce, meats and dairy. All dine-in beverages even use metal straws!

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Alongside great beer, Maui Brewing Company offers great green practices. All of Maui Brew’s delivery trucks run on biodiesel fuel from leftover vegetable oil from brewpubs. Leftover grain, yeast and hops from the brewing process are given free to Maui farmers for use as pig and cattle feed, or to create compost fertilizer for produce. All to-go containers are made from recycled cardboard and all straws are made of paper -- just to name a few green practices Maui Brew is practicing! u s b y G re g Mc rc ut a s Fa u h

Koko Head Café is an island-style brunch house off of 12th Avenue in Kaimuki. Not only do they follow all five of our criteria, they also only offer seafood that is “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” as defined by Seafood Watch. They also have many vegetarian/vegan food options available!

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What it Dough is Honolulu’s first ever artisan vegan pizza kitchen; located next to the popular Banan truck on Monsarrat Ave. They have a convenient parking lot, which makes it an easy quick bite! They also follow all five of our criteria and do not sell any bottled beverages on site.

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Leahi Health offers beverages, sandwiches and salads - all organic! They follow farm to table standards so everything is grown here in Hawai‘i. They even make their own Kombucha that provides amazing health benefits. They have plenty of vegetarian/vegan options and they even practice energy efficiency such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances.

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This coffee shop and deli is located in Kailua and it is very welcoming with tons of local art and island vibes. By day it is causal counter service and by night they transition to full service, sit-down restaurant. They offer all-compostable take-out containers and offer paper straws. They also offer a discount if you come in with your reusable coffee mug!

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This restaurant is a fine dining restaurant, but way worth the money. They also practice farm to table standards, supporting local farmers and ranchers. They follow all five criteria and offer seafood that is “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” as defined by Seafood Watch.

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Encore Saloon Encore Saloon is a mezcal (tequila) bar in Chinatown that serves amazing Mexican food; great for the belly and for a good buzz. Encore offers metal straws with all drinks and also uses energy efficient LED light bulbs.

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Pint + Jigger is located off of King Street and provides free parking. This restaurant is all about the experience with hand crafted cocktails and local food. They offer recycled cardboard take-out containers and paper straws with every drink.

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Deckshoes By: Zada Boyce-Quentin, UHM MOP Student Boats dropping anchor in the seaside city of Mombasa, Kenya, is nothing new. However, in early February of this year, one ship was particularly eye-catching--a rainbow-colored dhow (a ship with slanting, triangular sails commonly used around the Red Sea and Indian Ocean) made entirely of recycled plastic and discarded flip-flops. Aptly named the ‘Flipflopi’, this seafaring testament to human thoughtlessness was sailing along the coast of East Africa to raise awareness about the plight of oceanic ecosystems caused by plastic pollution. This patchwork boat, made of over 10 tons of plastic refuse, was the brainchild of captain Ali Skanda and Hassan Mohammed, who have watched an influx of tourists and new businesses transform the pristine shorelines of Mtwapa into a dumping ground for bottles and other waste. Over 2 weeks, the Flipflopi travelled around 311 miles, stopping at several coastal cities to partner with local individuals and organizations in beach cleanups and to host events detailing the severe damage to marine ecosystems caused by plastic pollution. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), approximately 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste has been generated since the early 1950s. Only 9% of that has been recycled. The rest of it remains in dumps and landfills, or, as a study done by UC Santa Barbara’s National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis found, around 8 million tons end up in the ocean annually. With projects like the recycled plastic vessel, the Flipflopi Clean Seas campaign hopes to underscore the need for immediate action combatting the virtual deluge of rubbish contaminating the world’s waters and educate

people on what they can do to help. In Africa, Kenya is taking a lead. Mombasa County has dedicated themselves to the cause, working with the UN to revitalize one of their largest dumps and turn it into a natural place by planting trees. The national government has also taken steps by banning the manufacture and use of plastic bags. Recently, Kenya hosted an international conference on how to create and implement eco-friendly practices while creating jobs. One key solution is recycling, which is being pushed heavily, as it is both a way to reuse plastic and prevent it from reaching the oceans and a viable creator of jobs that has the potential to stimulate economic growth. Other popular tourist destinations, such as Zanzibar, have also pledged their support to finding environmentally sustainable alternatives for waste disposal. This is incredibly encouraging, however, there is a continent-wide lack of both funding and awareness when it comes to better waste management. For this reason, the Flipflopi Clean Seas campaign is currently raising money for construction of a larger boat so that future voyages can reach a greater number of people and spread the message to all of Africa. The fight against plastic pollution is still in the relatively early stages, and is a long and uphill battle that needs global solutions. The work done by organizations like Flipflopi is crucial in raising awareness and inspiring people to find ways to help the environment. Their campaign is truly making a difference, one step at a time!n

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critter of the Month By: Paula Alcoseba, UH Maui MOP Student

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Hawaiian Name: Koholā Distribution: Four distinct populations of humpback whales - the North Atlantic, Southern, Northern Indian, and North Pacific (migrates to Hawaiian waters every winter for calving and mating) Size: 48 to 62.5 ft. 40 tons Diet: Krill, anchovies, cod, sardines, mackerel, capelin and others schooling fishes Coloration: Black on dorsal side, and mottled black and white on ventral side. This color pattern extends to their flukes. This fluke pattern is distinctive to each whale. The shape and color patterns on humpback whales’ dorsal fins and flukes are as individual as fingerprints in humans. Habitat: Found in all of the world’s oceans, although they generally prefer near shore and near-island habitats for both feeding and breeding. Depth: Appear to restrict their dives to 120 m and rarely exceed depths of 150 m. Mating and Breeding: Females give birth every two or more years. Pregnancies last for 12 months. The calves nurse for eight to eleven months. IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern

umpback whales, like all rorquals, are long and slender whales that are much more streamlined than other large whales. They have a pointed snout, paired blowholes and a broad flat rostrum. They have throat grooves, which help to streamlining their shape and also allows their throat area (called the cavum ventrale) to expand during feeding. Their baleen plates are broad and short, and their dorsal fin is curved. The humpback whale’s scientific name means “giant wings.” This refers to their large pectoral fins which are about one-third of the animal’s entire body length. These animals are best known for their complex whale songs. It is only the males who perform these hauntingly beautiful vocalizations. They have a rich repertoire that covers many octaves and includes frequencies beyond the threshold of human hearing. When a whale is singing, it floats suspended in the water, head down and relatively motionless. Dominance, aggression, and mate attraction are all behavior that may be related to singing. Researchers have discovered that whales in the same geographic area sing in similar “dialects.” Whale song patterns change gradually over time, so new songs emerge every few years. Globally, humpback whale populations were depleted by the commercial whaling industry at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1973, however, the United States government made it illegal to hunt, harm

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaches off of Maui, HI. Photo by: Warren Antiola, Flickr. 10| Seawords

Whale watching cruise guest catches a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breach off of Maui, HI. Photo by: Scott Moore, Flickr. or disturb humpback whales. When the Endangered became listed as endangered. Additional laws protect Species Act was passed in 1973, the humpback whale humpback whales, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, various state wildlife laws and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Their protection is also extended as a resource of national significance within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. In 1993 it was estimated that there were 6,000 whales in the North Pacific Ocean. Through the various protections made, the North Pacific humpback whale population now numbers more than 21,000. This is a true conservation success story. Protection of important ecological habitats are necessary for the long-term recovery of all humpback whale populations. n

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) under water. Photo by: Ashala Tylor, Flickr. APRIL 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;|11

Sun Study: Sunflower Sea Star Population in Peril By: Kayla White, UHM MOP Student A beautiful creature as big as a manhole cover was once abundant along the West Coast of North America. Now, the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) can rarely be found in California coastal waters. Ocean acidification and infectious disease have wiped out populations from Southern California to Alaska and the effects of this disease are starting to spread to other

trophic levels in the oceanic ecosystem. Sea star wasting syndrome (SSWS) is a general description for many symptoms that take place in a sea star. Lesions appear in the ectoderm of the sea star and soon after, the tissue around these lesions starts to decay. This can lead to the eventual fragmentation of the body and then to death. Sea stars can look deflated as a symptom

Sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides). Photo by: Mike Baird, Flickr. 12|â&#x20AC;&#x192;Seawords

A sea star affected by the Sea Star Wasting Syndrome. Photo by: AlisonEighllily, Flickr. of the disease. When symptoms of SSWS start to show, it can be as short as a few days for a sea star to die. Some species are bouncing back from the massive wipeout events like the ochre star (Pisaster ochraceus), but others are not having as successful recoveries. Wildlife epidemiologist from UC Davis One Health Institute, Diego Montecino-Latoree, says, “This is likely because this disease has many hosts, and other species that tolerate the pathogen better may spread it to the sunflower star.” Global warming due to atmospheric change is likely a factor of why this disease has spread so fast. “The heat wave in the oceans – a product of increasing atmospheric temperatures – is exacerbating the sea star wasting disease,” says Drew Harvell, a fellow at Cornell’s Atkinson Center for Sustainable Future. “It’s a lethal disease, and when you add a higher temperature to that, it kills faster, causing a bigger impact.”

fish and other wildlife in the oceanic ecosystem. With a decline in sunflower sea stars, sea urchin (Echinoidea) populations have exploded which reduces kelp substantially. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) surveyed sunflower sea stars in thousands of deep sites from the Canadian border to Mexico and found a 100 percent decline in all deep-water states down to 1,000 meters. Scientists at the Ocean Conservancy say that in order to decrease the effects of sea star wasting disease, we must lower our carbon emissions fast. “A healthy ocean is only achievable if we confront the damage that carbon emissions are having on the world’s ocean now.”n

Nearshore kelp forests form healthy environments for APRIL 2019 |13

By: Alyssa Mincer, UHM MOP Student

Sperm Whale

Marine Mammal of the Month:

Sperm Whale

Scientific Name: Physeter macrocephalus Range: Every ocean in the world; avoid the polar ice Diet: Primarily giant squid; occasionally fish, octopuses, rays, crustaceans, sharks Size: 16 to 20 meters (53 to 66 feet), 41,000 kilograms (90,400 pounds) Range: Every ocean in the world; avoid the polar ice Habitat: Females in temperate and tropical waters, males in temperate water ICUN Red List Status: Vulnerable

t the beginning of February 2019, the head- the sperm whale, including the widely known story of lines of news articles of O‘ahu were focused Moby Dick, this cetacean species continues to imprint on a single subject: a dead sperm whale an outstanding mark on both society and the natural (Physeter macrocephalus) that persistently environment. The sperm whale holds several world washed up on beaches, despite continuous efforts to remove it to the currents of deeper, offshore waters. A grotesquely fascinating event to both the general public and whale advocates alike, the carcass provided an intimate view into the process of decay in a marine environment and supplying opportunities for thorough research to be executed. Described as a “giant floating marshmallowy creature” in an article by IFL Science, the proximity of the sperm whale to nearby shores resulted in fear for the safety of swimmers, as it succeeded in attracting various shark species. Of most significance, the repetitive arrival of the deceased sperm whale likely ignited the interest of individuals regarding an animal whose features and actions deserve to be acknowledged in depth. Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) fluke. Photo by: Bernard Spragg, Flickr. With a plethora of books written about

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A sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) emerges from beneath the surface of the ocean. Photo by: Gregory Sobidr Smith, Flickr. records; it has the most colossal head and the largest brain compared to any animal on the planet. With an immense head cavity overwhelmingly composed of the valued, waxy substance of spermaceti, the species has been an essential source of oil reserves to sea-based communities around the world in the past. As typical of toothed whales, from the order Odontoceti, the sperm whale possesses a single blowhole ON TOP OF its box-like head, though which it breathes. Yet another attribute common to cetaceans from the order, the sperm whale has developed the exceptional sensory ability of echolocation, functioning in the emission of “sounds that travel from their melons (or foreheads) and reflect off objects,” as stated in an article by NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition to its astounding physical appearance, the behavioral habits and patterns of the sperm whale carry with them magnificence in a variety of manners. In order to hunt giant squid, the sperm whale dives up to 10,500 feet, setting another record for deepest diving species of whale to exist. When not engaged in hunts, the whales allocate their time to a network of social groups, each of which maintain a distinct culture and method of communication. Males tend to travel solo, venturing into temperate and even polar waters. In comparison, females

and offspring form pods that may comprise of up to 20 members, generally remaining within tropical latitudes. With an extensive lifespan of seventy years and a lack of many natural predators - except the aggressive orca whale, the sperm whale manages to dominate the global ocean, a creature of unparalleled majesty and intricacy.n

A sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) being tagged during University of Oregon’s field season in 2008. Photo by: Craig Hayslip, Flickr. APRIL 2019 |15

NOAA Marine Life Guidelines By: Rayna McClintock, UHM MOP Student

e all love the ocean and all of the creatures that live in it. As recreational users of the ocean, it is our responsibility to understand what is and what is not okay in regards to interacting with marine life. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act are policies that state, “Interacting with wild marine life outside of permitted research should not be attempted and viewing marine mammals and sea turtles must be conducted in a manner that does not harass the animals.” Here are a few of the rules that you should know to ensure the safety of the creatures in the ocean.

General Rules: 1. Do not feed, or attempt to feed, any marine mammals. It’s harmful and illegal. 2. Do not swim with, ride, pet, touch, or attempt to interact with marine mammals or sea turtles in the wild.

Whales Remain at least 100 yards away—about the length of a football field unless other rules apply. Federal law requires vessels to remain 100 yards away from humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hawai‘i and Alaska waters, 200 yards from killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Washington State inland waters, and 500 yards away from North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) anywhere in U.S. waters.

Dolphins and Porpoises Remain at least 50 yards away—about 1/2 a football field. In some locations, the minimum distance may be 100 yards—know before you go.

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Seals and Sea Lions For seals and sea lions in the water, or on shore, remain at least 50 yards away—about 1/2 a football field.

Sea Turtles For turtles in the water, or nesting on beaches, remain at least 50 yards away—about 1/2 a football field.

What you can do: • Report injured or sick animals- If you think an animal is in trouble—if it’s entangled, stranded, sick or injured—please report it and keep your distance. These animals are already vulnerable and may be more likely to bite. You can report at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report. • Keep pets away from marine life - Wild animals can injure and spread diseases to pets, and in turn, pets can harm, injure, disturb and spread diseases to marine wildlife. If you are with pets, always keep them on a leash and away from areas frequented by marine animals like seals and sea lions. • Report incidents of people or pets tormenting wildlife and if you see someone who is breaking these rules by disturbing or attempting to touch a marine mammal or sea turtle. Contact NOAA’s National Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1864.

Right whale (Eubalaena) and calf. Photo by: NOAA/NMFS NOAA News, 2005, Flickr. APRIL 2019 |17

This is Not A Drill: Norwegian company inches closer to drilling into Australia’s famous Bight By: Georgia Johnson-King, UHM MOP Student.

he fight for the marine safe haven that is the Great Australian Bight is coming to a head. Norwegian company Equinor has formally released their plan to move forward with deep water drilling in the Great Australian Bight, which is a home and nursery for various species of whale and dolphin. The proposed plans mean the company will have to drill through three kilometers of seabed, which alone would be devastating and disruptive to the wildlife surrounding the area. As part of protocol before the company moves forward with the drilling, Equinor had to supply an oil spill model which showed beaches from Perth to Port Macquarie, which is over 3,000 miles, being saturated in oil. The Great Australian bight is a safe haven for over 36 unique species of whale and dolphin, along with a diverse range of other marine animals. This bespoke nursery where whales and dolphins raise their young will be significantly impacted by the increased vehicle traffic in the area, and areas surrounding, as a result of the deep water drilling plans that Equinor has proposed. This is without mentioning the terrestrial aftermath of a spill similar to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident, which left damage along over one thousand miles of coastline in the United States that the 1.34 million gallons of oil saturated. The aquatic effects of an oil spill from Equinor would have more devastating effects on the environment than the Deepwater Horizon spill. The oil that the marine life ingests is known to cause liver, kidney, spleen, brain damage, cancer, immune system suppression and reproductive failure issues. After the Deepwater Horizon spill, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops) population in that area decreased by 50 percent, and 20 percent of all Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) died. The Great Australian Bight is home to 350 fish species, 36 species of marine mammal and over six thousand different invertebrate species; the damage would be unbelievable. BP is responsible for the biggest oil spill in history but if these plans go forward, Equinor may hold that title next. After the Deepwater Horizon spill BP was being charged for an environmental resources damage assessment for up to $8.1 billion dollars. CNN reported in 2015 that the major oil company was to pay the “largest settlement with a single entity in the department’s history,” which led to them having to pay $20.8 billion dollars in total for all the damages. The fight for the Bight is not over. Many major companies such as clothing label Patagonia, have been promoting the message: “big oil, don’t surf,” which takes a swipe at the big oil companies BP and Equinor. The proposed drilling has also led to a series of protests, both by local individuals and local councils, along the surf coast that would be affected. The protests by locals and big companies were enough to drive BP away from the oil deal but unfortunately Equinor swooped in and picked up where BP left off. For more information on the proposed drilling, and links to how you can help please visit: https://www.patagonia.com.au/pages/bigoildontsurf n

Great Australian Bight. Photo by: Mark Gillow, Flickr. 18| Seawords

Shipwreck of the Month: SS Yongala Wreck

By: Georgia Johnson King, UHM MOP Student

uilt in 1903, the SS Yongala sank on the Great Barrier Reef on March 23, 1911, when an unnamed cyclone hit the coast of Queensland between Cape Upstart and Cape Bowling Green. The ship was travelling from Melbourne to Cairns and the sinking resulted in the loss of 120 lives.

dance of marine animals can be found on the wreck including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), sea snakes (Hydrophiinae), bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and more.

The corals growing on the wreck are just as much of The SS Yongala wreck has become a popular dive spot an attraction as the surrounding marine life. The Great for tourists, as the wreck was unfound and therefore left Barrier Reef boasts over 600 of the world’s 800 coral speuntouched until 1958. It has now become a part of the cies, many of which cover the SS Yongala wreck. Popular reef and is now home to a plethora of marine life. Due corals such as the vibrant flowerpot coral (Goniopora), to the ship’s immense size, with a length of 358 feet and hump coral (Porites forcata) and common mushroom a width of 50, and the wreck’s structural integrity being coral (Fungiidae) cover the wreck making it a colorful retained, it is a perfect spot to dive. sight for divers to explore. n The SS Yongala became an internationally recognized dive spot because of the marine life it houses. An abun-

A postacrd painting or drawing of SS Yongala. Drawing/ painting by: Charles Dickson Gregory, Wikimedia Commons. APRIL 2019 |19

ocean art

Copper Lagoon By: Deonmark Alaimaleata, HCC Student

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. 20| Seawords

lack clouds cover the skies on a Friday afternoon in Kihei Lagoon. Paddlers are running on the sand trying to avoid the broken glass and poky grass. There is a smell of barbecue coming from the park, and dead fish from the lagoon that fills the air. The couple is taking pictures of the sunset atop of the hill made out of trash. There is a sound of strong winds howling throughout the park. The dark clouds begin to consume the sun, and a heavy layer of rain begins falling from the sky. All the canoes frantically rush to shore while the coaches stand idly by in the shade of the halau. The rain showers Kihei, by pushing the debris and dirt from the park into the lagoon. Within seconds the algae green water from the lagoon transforms into a copper brown.

Kihei, Maui. Photo by: MitchellShapiroPhotography, Flickr.

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Actions for the Ocean

GENERATION

BLUE By: Nicholas Yoshioka, UHM MOP Student

oral reefs are the backbones to Hawai‘i’s economy. They protect us from aggressive coastal erosion, they provide habitats for one-third of all marine fishes and they are a huge support in tourism and fishing industries; they are worth billions of dollars. Unfortunately, the population of corals is fading and fading fast. The decline and loss of coral reefs will lead to significant economic and ecological impacts on our society and it needs to be fixed. Here are four simple practices you can do to help save coral reefs. n

Volunteer and Educate The best things you can do to help restore coral reefs are to volunteer and educate the public. By doing both of these things, you will further your knowledge of coral reefs and how to protect them. In turn, you can also help others understand more about coral reefs and the value of protecting them. For example, a great way to start is by volunteering at your local aquarium. You can develop communication skills through guest interaction and receive important knowledge about the ocean’s inhabitants as well as an understanding of steps you and others can take towards ocean conservation. You can also participate in school clubs and/or beach clean ups.

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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.

Practice Safe Boating If you own a boat or know how to drive one, make sure to always anchor in sandy areas away from coral and seagrass. Boats move because of the currents carried by the wind and this then can move the boat anchor. You may not have noticed it because you are at the surface, but when your boat moves, a poorly placed anchor will drag along the reef breaking the coral. It is a common misconception that corals are hard since some resemble study rocks and can easily cause cuts and scrapes. Corals are actually fairly fragile and can be broken by heavy metal anchors.

Observe and Do Not Touch Tourists, whether it be divers or simple swimmers on the beach, break coral. Often times, people get tired of swimming and rest on coral mistaking it for some sort of rock. In other instances, people swim too close or they simply just get curious and want to touch it. Either way, everybody should refrain from coming into physical contact with coral and it is best to just watch from a distance and take pictures.

Choose Sustainability Healthy coral reefs are highly dependent on the presence and interactions of different organisms. They are like “underwater cities” that need the presence of busy people to continue to grow. Take for instance sea turtles and sharks. They come to the reef on a regular basis so that smaller fish can clean them. The turtles get a cleaning and the smaller fish get a meal. Or how about corals and crabs. Some species of corals serve as shelter for crabs and in return the crab provides protection. Relationships like this are essential towards keeping an ecosystem alive. By removing certain species through unsustainable fishing practices we are damaging coral reefs.

How you can help 1. Refrain from eating unsustainable seafood from restaurants 2. If you are fishing, know your limit. Never take more than you can eat. 3. Get familiar with the fish and game laws and make sure you are not taking more than the limit; you can also get fined for infractions! 4. Clean up your trash (food, paper, plastic, fishing line, etc.) Visit the website www.fishwatch.gov to see how you can incorporate sustainable seafood in your diet.

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APRIL 2019

Hawai‘i Audubon Society

✿ APRIL 4

• The amazing transpacific life of Pacific golden-plover kolea • Susan Scott • Hawai‘i Audubon Society

✿ APRIL 11

• Conserving fresh water in Hawai‘i

• Dana Okano • Hawai‘i Community Foundation • Voice of the Sea • 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.

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✿ APRIL 18

• Diet and foraging of red-footed booby (Sula sula) on O`ahu • Sarah Donohue • Hawai‘i Pacific University

✿ APRIL 25

• Caring for O‘ahuʻs manu-o-kū: it takes a hui! • Rich Downs • Hawai‘i Audubon Society

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: 2011 By: Kelsey Loenhorst, UHM MOP Student

his month’s flashback revisits the surprise pod of orcas (Orcinus orca) seen off the coast of Kaua‘i. On July 24, 2001 a team of marine researchers with Cascadia Research Collective of Washington State were taking part in a three-week project off the coast of Kaua‘i. During their research, a pod of four killer whales swam past their boat! Sightings are extremely rare with an estimate of only 400 individuals in the entire Hawaiian archipelago. They are known to feed on both fish and marine mammals in Hawai‘i.

The researchers noticed the whales were moving at a high speed and that one of the female whales had a fresh wound behind her blowhole that was believed to be from a cookie-cutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis). These types of wounds are common for any deep-water species of whales and dolphins spotted around the Hawaiian Islands. As for today, fishermen claim to spot orcas here and there, but the last recorded video footage of an orca in Hawai‘i’s waters was in October 2016 off the coast of Moloka‘i by Cascadia Research Collective once again! n

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April Photo Credit: Sam Beebe, Flickr

Sun.

Next month: May

Mon.

Tues.

Wed.

May 3: MOP Graduation May 6-10: Finals Week May 11: Graduation

7 MOP Symposium Maui College TBA

MOP Beach Cleanup Makapu‘u Beach TBA

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MOP & Community Events

Thurs.

Fri.

6 MOP Symposium Maui College TBA

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

Sat.

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

Good Friday No School

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

27 Hike to Ka‘ena Point Ka‘ena Point 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

APRIL 2019 |27

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!