February 2018 Seawords by Marine Option Program

Seaw rds The Marine Option Program Newsletter

February 2018

“Due to climate change and the recent rising oceans from sea ice melt, the sea floors are deforming at unprecedented rates. ”

FINDING THE PERFECT DIVE BUDDY WHALE YOU BE MY VALENTINE MOP BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ

February 2018

Volume XXXII, Number 2

Articles Page 3: Letter from the Editor Page 4: Letter from the Associate Editor Page 5: MOP BBQ Page 6: Whale you be my Valentine? Page 8: Finding the Perfect Dive Buddy Page 10: Ocean Art Page 11: Critter of the Month Page 12: February Surf Report Page 13: Shipwreck of the Month Page 14: Marine Mammal of the Month Page 16: Ocean Updates Page 18: Generation Blue Page 20: Hanauma Bay: Calender of Events Page 21: Flashback: November 1986 Page 22: MOP calendar of events

About the Photography -Cover: Taylor Shedd, UHM MOP Photography Contestant -Table of Contents: Logan Magad-Weiss, UHM MOP Photography Contestant -February Calendar of Events: Photo by MOP -Back cover: Kimberly Wood, UHM MOP Photography Contestant -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 userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flickr account. 2|â&#x20AC;&#x192;Seawords

Letter from the Editor

loha! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we have many special articles this month and we are very excited to share them!

Not sure what to put on your Valentine’s Day cards this year? We have a special page by Kayla Palmer, UHM MOP Student, with all sorts of marine-related romances that your Valentine would love. Are you having trouble finding a perfect dive buddy? Tyler Phelps, UHH MOP Alumnus, tells us on page 8 what each person needs to look for to find a great new diving partner. On page 12 , Alina Abramovich, UHH MOP Student, maps out what the surf forecast for February looks like on O‘ahu and the Big Island. We are very excited to welcome our new Associate Editor, Jenny Johnson, and look forward to everything she will bring to Seawords! In March, Jenny will be the new Editor and we know she will do an amazing job! If you want to get to know Jenny a little more, check out her Letter from the Associate Editor on page 4. What would you like to see more of in Seawords? Send us your thoughts! Mahalo for reading,

Kayla White, Seawords Editor Seawords

Volume XXXII, Number 2, February 2018 Editor: Kayla White Associate Editor: Jenny Johnson Camra Hopper (éminence grise) 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.

FEBRUARY 2018 |3

Letter from the Associate Editor By: Jenny Johnson, Associate Editor

loha!

My name is Jenny Johnson and I am so excited to be the new Associate Editor of Seawords! Growing up in Washington, I was always near the ocean or some body of water. This created a love for the ocean and an awareness of how important ocean conservation is. Animals have also consumed a huge part of my heart and life, as I received my Vet Assistant certificate before moving to O‘ahu. My love for animals and the ocean brought me not only to UH Mānoa, but also to MOP. I started out at UH Mānoa as an animal science major, then marine biology and finally found my true niche as a communications major. At the time of switching to communications, I didn’t want to lose touch with the ocean which is why I came to Hawai‘i. Fortunately, MOP has allowed me to remain in marine related courses, find marine related internships and opportunities and continue my passion towards ocean and marine animal conservation. One of my other passions is having fun! When I’m not in class or doing homework you can find me in the water or on a hike. I live everyday thankful that I am able to live on this beautiful island! I am extremely thankful for my new position as Associate Editor, training under Editor, Kayla White. With this position, I have the opportunity to spread awareness of what is happening in our oceans, on the Hawaiian islands and around the globe with the help of our incredibly talented writers! n

Sunset on the bech. Photo by: Jason Lander, Flickr

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MOP BARBEQUE By: Jenny Johnson, Associate Editor

ray skies and misty rain greeted the MOP students on the morning of the MOP Back to School BBQ. Sleepy but excited students stumbled into the MOP office one after the other around nine a.m.. Alas, all of the students made it to the office and it was time to pile into the van. Nervously, I awaited my new duty as van driver but Alexa, MOP Student Coordinator, assured me it wasn’t a tough job. We buckled our seat belts, turned up the tunes and we were headed to Bellows Beach for a day of delicious food and many laughs. As I gripped the van’s steering wheel tight through the Pali highway, students gazed out of their windows, taking in the sweeping views of the green, lush mountains and the perfectly turquoise ocean. The drive went quickly and before we knew it, we had made it to Bellows Beach! Everyone hopped out of the van and felt the big gusts of wind hit their skin. Promise of a sunny day peaked through the clouds overhead. Jeff had already arrived and had the chairs, tables and BBQ set up. We quickly dropped our belongings onto the chairs and helped set up the food, as most of us were very eager to start eating.

chilly to get in the water just yet. A few students began playing volleyball while myself, and MOP Students Taylor Peterson, Keli Hall, and Richard Chen, played an intense game of Bocce Ball. Taylor Peterson and I faced off against Keli Hall and Richard Chen. After the first few throws, it was apparent that previous softball player, Taylor, was going to be carrying our team. To my dismay, I have a pretty weak throw. Although Taylor was carrying our team, the score remained relatively equal throughout the game. The final throw, made by Richard Chen, won the game for himself and Keli Hall, with a final score of 7-5. When asked how they won, Richard Chen said, “Just being better than the other team” while Keli Hall noted that winning requires skill, she explained “With skill and agility and determination.” The first set of activities left some students, including me, wanting to go back for seconds although it left other students such as Jacey Reinken and Kayla White needing a nap in their cozy and comfortable hammock. After filling a second plate, I watched some of the students play an entertaining game of boys vs. girls volleyball with an innovative makeshift net which was setup with three big sticks and a rope. Who knew we had so many volleyball stars in MOP? Next to me, also enjoying the game, sat MOP Student, Amanda Tieman, and her adorable little half chihuahua half corgi rescue pup, Lola. Lola loved running around the beach, digging in the sand and lounging on her mom’s towel. She created just as much entertainment for me as the volleyball game did. After the girls won the volleyball game, and the sun had come out to warm us up, it was time to hit the waves. Students ran into the crashing waves and dove straight in. Keli Hall caught some waves on the surfboard while other students boogie boarded and body surfed. After everyone had gotten their wave fix, it was time to start packing up and call it a day.

“The burgers by Jeff Kuwabara, MOP Coordinator, were better than Teddy’s burgers” Kayla White, Editor. Kayla was definitely right. Students chowed down on burgers made with Jeff ’s superb barbecuing skills. Patiently, I waited for my veggie burger, but that didn’t stop me from digging into the many delicious sides that everyone brought. Savory and sweet food lined the table. Potato and mac salad, pita chips and hummus, barbecued veggies, hot dogs, chicken, fruit, popcorn, cookies and cheesecake made everyone’s mouths water. The biggest hit was MOP Student, Taylor Peterson’s, incredibly delicious and addicting fruit dip though. Students filled their plates and enjoyed their food either under the trees or down at the beach. For any MOP students who have not been to the Back to School BBQ yet, do not miss it again! There is nothing Stomachs were full, students were awake and it was time more fun than being surrounded by great people and to start some fun activities. MOP Students, Jacey Regood food for a day at the beach! n inken, Drew Lara and Kayla White instantly ran to the water and jumped in. The rest of us were still a bit too MOP members enjoying Bellows beach. Photo by: John Johnson.

FEBRUARY 2018 |5

Whale you be my Valentine?

By: Kayla Palmer, UHM MOP Student

Penguins’ black and white camouflage appearance is known as countershading, but it almost looks like a wedding tuxedo. Their black backs help them blend in with the ocean from above, protecting them against predators looking down and their white bellies protect them against predators looking up.

As Valentine’s D animals! H

When a lunar proaches, a Pac lo worm (Euni rises to the su spawn and rele of its body that gametes

An octopus (Octo “love” in its life a three hea

When an Amazon pink river dol (Inia geoffrensis) is excited, it blu by turning its skin color a de pink.

To attract a mate, a male hu novaeangliae) or right whale (Euba female by singin

Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) become fluorescent while courting a mate. To win a female over, male narwhals (Monodon monoceros) use their long tusks to fight off any other male competition. 6| Seawords

To get rid of competition while courting, a male cuttlefish (Sepiida) will display male color patterns on the side of his body facing a female while disguising his opposite side as a female pattern to trick the other males into thinking that he is not a threat.

Day is approaching, let’s celebrate our love for marine Here are some “romantic” facts about marine life.

cycle apcific paloice viridis) urface to ease part t contain s.

To secure a mate, male penguins will often propose to a female with a nice pebble and if she accepts his offer the female penguin will place her “engagement pebble” in a pile to prepare for a nest to place her future eggs.

opoda) has a lot of room for as they are known for having arts and nine brains.

lphin ushes eeper

Female lobsters (Nephropidae) use their urine as a love potion to attract a mate. A female seduces the male by squirting some of her urine into a male’s den and if he likes her scent they move to the next step.

For some shrimp (Caridea), their heart is actually in their head. Seahorses (Hippocampus) create a deeper connection with their significant other by dancing with their tails entangled while changing colors as they move.

umpback whale (Megaptera alaena) will often impress a ng a song. To find the right “soul mate”, an albatross (Diomedeidae) will court a female albatross for several years by partaking in dancing rituals. When it is time to become partners, their relationship is known to last a lifetime.

For male hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), attracting a female with a pink balloon is the best way to secure a mate. To create a pink balloon, the male closes one of his nostrils to inflate a balloon-like nasal membrane.

To keep from drifting apart, sea otters (Enhydra lutris) will often hold paws with their family members while sleeping. FEBRUARY 2018 |7

DIVE SAFETY

Finding the Perfect Dive Buddy By: Tyler Phelps, UHH MOP Alumnus

t’s February and you know what that means, love arrows from Cupid crowding the sky! For those of us celebrating “National Singles Awareness Day” on February 14, now might be the perfect time to think about the qualities that make someone your perfect match, as your dive buddy. Since there isn’t an app yet to swipe right or left on potential dive partners, it’s important to identify these qualities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience (yes, I’m still talking about diving).

James Terhune (UH Phelps (UHH MOP) Grady (UH It is so rewarding to watch someone get dive with them.

Can Say “No”

It’s good to be flexible with dive plans wants to do. However, a great dive budd when to say “no” or “I’m not comforta important in assessing dive conditions Generally, if you don’t like someone, you probably shouldn’t be in an underels. What might be comfortable to you, water hyperbaric environment with them. However, there may be some people there’s never a bad reason to cancel a div in your life you enjoy that don’t make the best dive buddies. This article aims to identify those traits in existing friends and what to look for when recruiting Prioritizes Safety potential dive buddies. Diving is supposed to be fun but alwa Is on My Level water with no injury. Sometimes that m and other times that’s making conserva Have you ever met someone that likes or does the same things as you and felt following checklists and protocols durin that instant connection to them? Sharing a hobby like diving is a terrific way the temptation to go deeper for the sake to bond and it’s even more special if you are also on the same experience level. interesting to see. Know how much gas It allows you the unique opportunity to learn and grow together. Taking a dive municate when it’s time to turn back. class is a fun opportunity to meet other people at the same level as you. If you like diving with them during the class, trade information and practice what Encourages Me to Do the “Right” Th you’ve learned or go dive together! Planning a dive isn’t the most fun thing Or Not time. Dive logs can be tedious, but they body got time” for buddy checks right? W Good dive buddies can be at the same experience level as you, or on opposite encourage you to do the things that you ends of the spectrum, so to speak. Diving consistently with someone who has more experience or training than you can really encourage you to grow as a Maintains Awareness and Commun diver. After you finish a dive class, ask if your instructor would like to go fun diving sometime! If you’re an experienced diver, don’t shy away from “noobs.” It’s so frustrating to have someone just

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HH MOP) and Tyler ). Photo by: Bryant HH MOP). more comfortable and confident as you

when you’re trying to get their attention. A great dive buddy maintains awareness of themselves, you, the surrounding environment and their equipment. They should be monitoring their own air, communicating it often to you and asking for yours as well. After a while you will probably get a good feel for your and be interested in what your buddy dive buddy’s air consumption. Running out of air should be an inexcusable bad dy is honest with themselves and knows habit. able with that yet.” This becomes very Can Make the Best of Bad Situations s if you are at different experience lev, may not be to your buddy. Remember If you get lost navigating, as long as you make it back home it should be a learnve--safety first! ing experience that you can laugh about together. If your new spot is a total dud, sometimes that hysterical look you give each other at the same time is enough to make it worthwhile. I highly recommend laughing underwater but if you ays comes second to getting out of the start crying from it, you may need to clear your mask! means not going out in the first place, Ultimately, your perative decisions. Exercise this mindset by fect dive buddy should ng your dive briefing. In the water, resist know how to have fun. e of hitting the number if there’s nothing Surround yourself with s you need to get home safely and comgood influences that will make you a better diver and person. If Thing you seek, you shall find. in the world but needs to be done every There are so many opy can be great reference later. “Aint no- portunities to find dive Wrong! Your perfect dive buddy should buddies. Keep these u know you should be doing. qualities in mind and Madison Theile, UHH MOP Student, and Tess ChapI hope you find your nicates man, UHM MOP Student. Photo by Jeff Kuwabara, perfect “match!” n t swim off without you or not respond UHM MOP Coordinator. FEBRUARY 2018 |9

ocean art

A Place For Everyone By: Chloé Peterkin, HCC Student

Here, the sky is ever changing. The tints and hues change with every tick and tock. The shapes of “unicorns” and “bunnies” fill the sky. The air is replete with the same salt that seasons the water. The crystal blue waves bring forth a new story with every cool warm crash. The shrieks from the children that race their dogs into the water become muffled by the waves that wash over them. The memories of those before and after stretch out from shore to horizon. The palaces are built across the land with the same golden grain felt between toes. Where one comes to get away, and another comes to join with others, the beach becomes a place for everyone. Chloe’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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Waikiki beach. Photo by: Kanaka Rastamon, Flickr.

critter of the month By: Alina Abramovich, UHH MOP Student

Zebra Blenny

(Istiblennius zebra) - pao`o Distribution: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands Size: Up to 7.5 inches Diet: Mostly algae and organic marine detritus Coloration: Normally blue-black or grey but can change at will to a more striped pattern for camouflage Habitat: Benthic, reef-fishes, seemingly preferring basaltic shorelines and reef locations Depth: Up to 3m in depth IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern, Stable

ndulating like an eel, the zebra blenny (Istiblennius zebra) is most often spotted in surf zones and basaltic tidepools close to shore. This reef fish is highly adaptable and has been found in varying surf zone depths, pH levels, tidepool temperatures, salinity and oxygen content. The blennies are also marked by their amazing agility and their ability to leap from tidepool to tidepool in order to gain access to food, avoid predation and find potential mates. Physically, the zebra blenny is also distinguishable by a flap-like, nuchal crest found between its eyes (which is larger in the males). Blennies tend to congregate into tight, abundant groups (up to dozens have been observed sharing the same pool space) and seek out hiding spots amid their fellows as a form of protection. The preference for tidepools also stems out of the abundance of large crevices and boulders wherein the blennies will also hide. Zebra blenny adults have a blue dot pattern under their eyes, and blennies of all ages have a tendency to become mottled when they are taken by surprise, or when feeding in shallow water.

Feeding mainly on organic marine detritus and algae that accumulates on the basaltic rocks of their tidepools, the blennies rarely venture into deeper water preferring the tidal buffett that their exposed homes provide. The aforementioned eel-like undulations of their bodies allow the blennies to wriggle almost out of the water onto rocks where they look out for potential predators. If they do spot an unsavory creature (sometimes from up to 50 ft. away), the blennies escape by leaping, crawling and skipping out of sight. These acrobatic fish can even jump up to two feet above the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface in order to try and remain safe. Zebra blennies are thought to reproduce mainly in the spring and early summer, with the males building nests in rock crevices and fertilizing the eggs that the female hatches within the nests. Once formed, the larvae drift out to sea and find their way back to the tidepools when they are about a half an inch long. n Zebra Blenny (Istiblennius zebra). Photo by: Ken-ichi Ueda, Flickr.

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February Surf Report By: Alina Abramovich, UHH MOP Student

he month of January ushered in the winter swells we had all been waiting for - with several days of high surf advisories and, arguably, the first wake-up call for Waimea Bay this year. In other exciting New Year developments, this reporter has transferred to UH Hilo and so these reports shall now cover both the Big Island swell forecasts, as well as Oahu’s swell forecasts. Luckily this year has so far been more than kind to the coasts of both these islands, and swell predictions show that the La Niña NPAC (North Pacific) storm trends look favorable in this upcoming month. Surfline’s report states that although traditionally February marks the “other side” of the winter swell peaks, the climatological models are all indicating that the first couple of weeks will hold a higher potential for a more powerful NW swell, with variable winds. The second half of the month looks like it may be easing into smaller swells and a more typical E/ENE trade wind pattern. For Oahu’s North Shore, this forecast looks promising, as most spots up in the country prefer this combination of winds and smaller (but still rippable) waves. Big wave surfers are perhaps the only ones who will feel let down by this prediction, seeing that after this month we are already edging into the beginnings of SPAC (Southern Pacific) swell territory. However, the climatological data underplayed some of the bigger, better swells that hit early in the New Year, so perhaps February will hold some surprise bombing days as well. As for Big Island, we can only hope that some of those easing swells (or freak bigger swells) will bypass Maui and hit our northern exposed shores with as much gusto as they did in January. Hilo side is predicted to pick up some of the more northeasterly exposed swells, as well as have a consistent supply of ridable wind swells during the next month. Overall, it seems that both islands will have rideable waves and that the winds will become a little more consistent and cleaner. Happy surfing! n

Surfer riding a wave. Photo by: Mike Sutherland, Flickr 12| Seawords

Shipwreck of the Month: Pacific Paradise By: Madelyn Rangel, UHM MOP Student

n October 10, 2017, in just six feet of water, the Pacific Paradise wrecked on a sandbar outside of Kaimana Beach Park in Waikīkī. The tuna fishing vessel ran aground just a few hundred yards offshore. Of the 20 people rescued from the wreck, 19 were foreign workers, later released to the United States Customs and Border Protection. The 79-foot craft caught fire after one of the first unsuccessful attempts to remove it. Concerns were voiced by the Waikīkī Aquarium, which pumps in ocean water from a location near the wreck for its monk seal exhibit. The aquarium demanded water quality tests to assure that no harm was done to its animals. Finally, on December 7, the Pacific Paradise was removed from the site and sunk at an EPAapproved site 13 miles south of O‘ahu. It was estimated that up to 1,500 gallons of fuel may have remained onboard.

Pacific Paradise wrecked on sandbar outside of Kaimana beach park. Photo by: Anthony Quintano, Flickr.

The shipwreck raises questions around the fishing fleet laws in Hawai‘i. Loopholes in current legislation enable fishing boats to employ workers from impoverished nations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific for extremely low wages, such as those who were onboard the Pacific Paradise. Foreign workers are not allowed to leave the fishing boats, so were essentially imprisoned on the 80 foot vessel. n

Pacific Paradise shipwreck. Photo by: Anthony Quintano, Flickr. FEBRUARY 2018 |13

By: Jeremy Gasta, UHM MOP Student

Weddell Seal

Marine Mammal of the Month:

Weddell Seal

Species: Weddell Seal Scientific Name: Leptonychotes weddellii Range: Antarctic coasts and surrounding islands Diet: Fish, squid, krill Size: 10-12 feet long

any seal species can be found on the Antarctic coasts, from the cute crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga), to the massive elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), and the voracious leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx). Among them all, the Weddell seal, yet another Antarctic pinniped, may not seem too impressive at first glance. Sure, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as adorable and appealing as any other seal, but what exactly sets it apart? A fairly large seal, reaching maximum lengths of twelve feet long (but more often remaining

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closer to eight feet), the Weddell seal looks unassuming compared to its other polar compatriots. Known for its abundance and placidity, this creature is the best-studied pinniped in Antarctica, thanks to the fact that it has high tolerance for people around it. Multiple videos can be found on the internet of people (perhaps not fully legally) touching these creatures with apparently little care. Howe ve r, these tolerant seals show one unique behavior that places them among the most remarkable of creatures on the Antarctic continent. When the A Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) sleeping. Photo by: Ronald Woan, Flickr. winter storms come and

A Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) laying in the snow. Photo by: Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalation, Flickr. the sea freezes over, these animals stay put on the ice. All other seals – in fact, all other mammals – will migrate northward to escape the freezing onslaught of the harsh polar winter, while the Weddell seal will mostly remain in the same spot all year long. In fact, most of these docile creatures will hardly travel more than a few miles from their birthplace their entire lives, and will only feel prompted to travel any sort of significant distance if they need to find food. Only one other warmblooded creature will remain this far south all year long, the Weddell seal’s only winter companion, the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri). Weddell seals have evolved some helpful traits to handle the rough winters, the most notable being their jaws. They are among a group known as the lobodontine seals, which are known for highly specialized, interlocking teeth that allow the creatures to filter small prey items, such as krill, from the water. They share this grouping with the leopard, crabeater, and Ross (Ommatphoca rossii) seals. However, Weddell seals’ canines are even more specialized than that of their brethren, and they use their jaws to constantly maintain breathing holes in the sea ice so that they do not freeze over in cold tem-

peratures. Weddells also keep an eye out for weak cracks in the ice to open new breathing holes, should the need arise. They are known for their excellent underwater vision, which not only helps in locating prey, but spotting these breathing holes, or weaknesses in the ice, from the dark aquatic world underneath. Sadly, constant maintenance of breathing holes can wear down their teeth and make it hard for them to catch prey, causing many seals to become no older than eighteen years of age, while other seals who don’t cause excessive wear to their teeth can live to 30 years of age. Besides this shortened lifespan, however, Weddell seals are fairly well-off for marine mammals. Their large size and preferred hunting locations of under the ice make them at a lower risk of predation from orcas (Orcinus orca) and leopard seals once they pass adolescence. While they were hunted by poachers in the past, their habits of living on Antarctic coasts (as opposed to ice floes further out to sea) made it hard for would-be hunters to reach them, and their abundance today shows this. They don’t have to undergo the hassle of yearly migrations like so many Antarctic seals do. Maybe that’s why they seem so docile all the time. n FEBRUARY 2018 |15

cean updates

By: Madelyn Rangel, 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.

Sea Turtles Freezing in Florida A harsh winter has taken Florida by surprise. On January 3rd, snow was recorded in Tallahassee, a phenomenon not witnessed since 1990. While the frigid temperatures astonished Florida residents, the climate proved fatal for local green sea turtles. The National Park Service, with the help of other local organizations, rescued over 1,000 sea turtles stuck in a state described by scientists as “cold stunned.” The rescued turtles were taken to a laboratory to be tagged before moving to a rehabilitation facility that will home them until temperatures rise.

cold front, on a given day water temperatures off of the Florida coast dropped to around 40 degrees F, with the air temperature sitting at a maximum of 60 degrees F. Green sea turtles aren’t the only ones not able to fair the sudden weather changes. Manatees exposed to water temperatures lower than 68 degrees F may experience hypothermia, “cold-stress disease” or develop lesions, known as “Florida frostbite.”

In 2010, hundreds of sea turtles and manatees were killed by a similar cold stint. These events have been prolonged, and have an increasing death toll each year, The “cold stunned” turtles lack mobility and end up be- due to both increased numbers in sea turtle populations ing eaten by predators or hit by boats after floating to and more frequent, extreme cold-weather events. the surface of the water. Due to their cold-blooded naSea Level Rising Faster than Previously Thought ture, sea turtles lack the ability to regulate their body temperature. Because they inhabit nearshore waters, Despite common belief, the Earth’s crust is an everthey are at greater risk of exposure to extreme cold due changing landscape. Although made of a multitude of to the drastic temperature changes that can take place rock types, the crust does warp over time. Due to cliquickly at shallow depths. Due to the extraordinary mate change and the recent rising oceans from sea ice melt, the sea floors are deforming at unprecedented rates. According to a study by the Netherlands’ Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the crust has shifted so much that sea level rise has likely been incorrectly recorded for at least two decades, resulting in an underestimation by as much as eight percent. Although sea level rise is satellite-measured, this method doesn’t take into account the deformation of the sea floor. In the Northern Hemisphere, the crust is flexing upwards, while in the Southern Hemisphere the sea floor is sinking. A large contributor to the deformation is the extensive glacial melt off of Greenland and surrounding regions. Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Photo by: Thomas Shahan, Flickr. 16| Seawords

Altogether, sea level rise may have been underestimated by as much as 0.1 millimeters per

Humback dolphin (Sousa teuszii). Photo by: Greg Schechter, Flickr. year on average, or as much as 1 millimeter per year in threats that they face. There is no current conservation the Arctic Ocean. management efforts for the species. It is hoped that the addition of the dolphins to the critically endangered As the sea levels continue to rise, the malformation of position on the IUCN Red List will push for more pubthe ocean basins will continue. Measuring these changlicity and action to conserve the dwindling cetacean es is not easy, but the researchers hope that through a population. The IUCN has used the likely extinction of system that detects small localized changes in gravity, the vaquita as a wake up call for what the future of other the rate that the seas are rising can be accurately quantispecies, such as the Atlantic humpback dolphin, may fied. hold if action isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taken now. n

Atlantic Humpback Dolphin Moved to Critically Endangered Western Africa has many well-known endangered species, such as gorillas and rhinos. Less publicized is the critically endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin. These nearshore dolphins travel in small groups and are susceptible to becoming victims of bycatch, poaching and habitat loss. With a habitat ranging from Angola to Western Sahara, current population estimates for the dolphin hover around 1,500 adults.

The continued decline in the dolphins that live in small, isolated populations, is expected due to the steady increase of the

Ocean. Photo by: blueforce 4116, Flickr. FEBRUARY 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192;|17

Actions for the Ocean

GENERATION

BLUE

By: Kayla Palmer, UHM MOP Student

ur oceans produce half of the world’s oxygen supply while absorbing carbon and regulating our global climate. Due to overfishing and the introduction of contaminants into the ocean, human activity has become a severe threat to marine biodiversity. Many of these pollutants, including fertilizers and pesticides, runoff into coastal waters causing eutrophication and resulting in the oxidation of ocean waters. This process creates uninhabitable areas for marine life known as dead zones that can become the size of New Jersey. Each year, 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean. Knowing this information, it is our duty to protect the ocean’s biodiversity. Below are some steps toward a healthier ocean environment. n

Buy Locally to Reduce Ship Pollution

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Even though most pollutants are land-based, pollution caused by ships can be just as harmful. Ships are well known for accidental oil spills, introducing invasive species, and for noise pollution. In areas prone to ship traffic, populations of whales and dolphins have declined due to the effects of noise pollution. Sound waves from ships can carry for miles in the ocean, disrupting cetacean migration patterns, communication, search for food and can also lead to beaching. By purchasing items locally, we can help reduce the negative effects that ship pollution has on marine life.

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.

Support Sustainable Farming Practices

By purchasing organic produce and consuming less meat we can help reduce the number of contaminants entering the ocean. Chemicals used for conventional farming methods allows harmful runoff to enter the ocean causing dead zones and toxic chemicals accumulating in a marine food chain. Organic agricultural methods are less hazardous to marine life as they only depend on natural fertilizers to grow crops. In farms, animals are fed antibiotics and hormones that enter the ocean through agricultural waste, causing similar effects as conventional farming practices. Through the release of greenhouse gases, animal farming leads to increased ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. Consumers can help change the agricultural industry by increasing the demand for sustainable farming methods through purchasing less meat and more organic produce at the grocery store. Demand drives supply, so if there is less demand for these harmful things, eventually there will be less supply.

Volunteer & Educate Others

Volunteer for organizations that focus on educating the public about marine conservation or protecting endangered species. You can also educate your family and friends about how they can protect the ocean.

Ocean. Photo by Sheraka, Flickr. FEBRUARY 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192;|19

FEBRUARY 2018 Invasive Species Awareness

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1 FEBRUARY

Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council • Josh Atwood • Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council

8 FEBRUARY

Laulima: protecting Hawai'I from aquatic invasive species • Kimberly Fuller, Daniel Lager • Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THEATER THURSDAYS: Science Talks or Educational Films Thursday evenings 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Hanauma Bay Admission is free Parking free after 4 P.M.

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15 FEBRUARY

Marine alien species in Hawai'i: an overview • Scott Godwin • Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources

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22 FEBRUARY

Preventing the introduction and transfer of aquatic alien species in Hawaiʻi • Jules Kuo • Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources

Can’t make it to Hanauma Bay?

Watch seminars live on YouTube, search for Hanauma Talks Questions? Call #397-5840 or e-mail hbaynews@hawaii.edu

FLASHBACK: NOVEMBER 1986

his flashback dates all the way back to November 5, 1986, when a team of MOP students and MOP Coordinator, Annie Orcutt, from the Mānoa and Windward campuses, returned to Halepalaoa Landing at Lāna‘i, on the northeast side of O‘ahu, to conduct an underwater survey. Annie and the team decided to return to assess the underwater changes that had occurred due to the construction of a pier earlier that year.

By: Jennifer Johnson, Associate Editor challenge, but the weather was as well. The team had to prepare to battle the rough winter waves and the unpredictable weather. They made sure they were well-prepared with tents, sleeping bags, food and first-aid kits. Annie showed confidence in her team when she said, “It’ll be a bit rougher, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.” n

The pier and the changes made to reef, such as blasting for a new channel, were funded by a private cruise company that ran out of Kā‘anapali, Maui. This cruise company needed to make changes to the aquatic environment because the shallow depth of the water and the abundance of coral heads created challenges for boats going back and forth from Kā‘anapali to Halepalaoa. The MOP team ran into some difficulties while planning the return to Halepalaoa Landing. The team had set a date to return in August, but the completion of the pier was delayed. This caused many difficulties with planning because by the time the pier was completed, fall classes had already begun for the MOP students. Consequently, everyone’s schedules had changed and it was back to square one. Finally, the team was able to find a week that worked for everyone’s schedule, departing on November 4. Not only was scheduling a

FEBRUARY 2018 |21

February Photo credit: Photo by MOP

Sun.

Mon.

Tues.

Wed.

Next month: March -March 4 : Tour of R/V Falkor -March 17: Tour of Oceanic Institute -March 26-30 : Spring Break

Maritime Archaeology Symposium UH Manoa: MSB 114

President’s Day (No School)

Atantis Humpback Whale Watching Cruise Pier 6 10:30 A.M. - 2:45 P.M.

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

MOP & Community Events

Thurs.

Fri.

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

QUEST Application Due

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

Sat.

Maritime Archaeology Symposium UH Mānoa: MSB 114

24 Humpback Whale Count Spitting Caves 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

FEBRUARY 2018 |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!