SEAW ORDS TheMarineOption Program Newsletter
February 2021
Volume XXXVI, Number 2
Aloha, and welcome to the February issue of Seawords! Happy February! This month, we're asking for your help in determining this year's most eligible ocean bachelor. To participate, check out the contestants on pages 15-17, then visit our Instagram story at @mopseawords, where we'll be holding several rounds of voting over the next week. And on the subject of getting involved, learn all about how to assist in the Pacific golden plover count as a citizen scientist on page 6! This issue really reminded us of the incredible diversity in the oceans, from microscopic organisms (page 8), to the world's largest (page 24)! W hat would you like to see more of in Seawords?Send in your thoughts, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @mopseawords!
Zada Boyce-Quentin, SeawordsEditor
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Contents 2: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 4: VOLCANO W ATCH 6: PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER COUNT 8: CYANOBAC-TO THE FUTURE 12: MARINE HEATW AVES: THE NEW NORMAL? 14: THE BASSCHELORETTE 18: CREATURE OF THE MONTH: BROAD STINGRAY 20: SEAW ALLS: SAVIORS OR SCOURGES 24: NEW BLUES
Photo Credits Fr ont Page: Broad stingray. By: Steve Jurvenson, Flickr. Tabl e of Contents: View of the ocean. By: heroesbed, Flickr. Pages 15-17: Day octopus by Doug Finney, Flickr. Tiger shark by Albert Kok, W ikimedia. Cloudy goby by Keoki Stender, Marine Life Photography. Spotted seahorse by Rickard Zerpe, Flickr. Spiny lobster by NOAA Photo Library, Fliclr. Hawaiian monk seal by Prab Bhatia, Flickr. Back Cover : Seashells. By: Sole Perez, Flickr.
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Crater at the volacno. Photo by: em, Flickr.
Volcano W a
By: Haley Chasin, U On December 20, 2020, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) saw indications of an explosion at Kilauea Volcano. Lava flowing from the summit filled Halema?uma?u Crater to form a lava lake which grew to about 600 feet deep. As the eruption has remained confined there, the main issue is emissions. HVO data estimate a daily emission rate of up to 30,000 tons of sulfur dioxide per day. W hen sulfur dioxide meets oxygen, light, and other airborne particles, it can create vog, or volcanic smog. This is visible as a hazy tint to the air following a volcanic eruption. Vog can cause health hazards, particularly for people with respiratory issues, and impair visibility. Thankfully, so far there have been no signs of activity migrating from the summit into the rift zones, meaning that fortunately there have been no disruptions to people?s homes or human activities on the Big Island. From the observatory, the team monitoring the eruption has seen changes in the lava pouring out from the vents and marked a decrease in sulfur dioxide from 30,000 tons a day to 3,800 tons a day.
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atch: Kilauea
UHM MOP Student Since earlier this month, the level of the lava lake has been slowly rising to 701 meters above sea level with an erupted volume of 20 million cubic meters or 8,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. As of January 28, the volcano is still erupting, and the lava lake has grown to about 670 feet deep. A few minor earthquakes have been observed as well, and the latest sulfur dioxide emission rates are still elevated but much lower than they were last month, reading at about 2,500 tons a day. For the most up-to-date information on this ongoing situation, visit https:/ / www.usgs.gov/ observatories/ hawaiian-volcano-observatory. Close up of the crater. Photo by: tommygbeatty, Flickr.
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Golden plover. Photo by: Forrest and Kim Starr, Flickr.
K?lea Count By: Emma Fil es, UHH MOP Student 6 | Seawords
The Pacific Golden Plover, known as k?lea in Hawai ?i, are migratory shorebirds that travel between Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. They spend their summers in Alaska to breed and hatch chicks and then fly to the warmth of Hawai ?i for the summers to forage. Their diet consists of a wide range of insects, worms, and small fish. The nonstop flight to Alaska takes the k?lea 3 days while the journey to Hawai ?i takes 4 days because of the direction of the winds. K?lea love open areas with short-cut grass, so locations such as golf courses and parks are a paradise for our feathered friends. The last official k?lea count was in 1968. As such, no one knows if the k?lea population is currently increasing, decreasing, or constant, so it is important that the public keeps an eye out for these birds. The K?lea Count Project, sponsored by the National Audobon Society, uses citizen science to allow people to report k?lea that are seen within Hawaiian communities. By simply visiting koleacount.org and recording the location and number of k?lea observed, anyone can help us estimate the population size within the Hawaiian Islands. Next time you are out golfing, running, or just laying out on the beach, keep an eye out for these marvelous and interesting Plover in a field. Photo by: Ryan Fanshaw, Flickr.
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Cyanobacteria. Photo by: Willem van Aken, Wikimedia Commons.
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CYANOBAC-TO THE FUTURE By: Alexandrya Robinson, UHM MOP Student
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All living organisms rely on key gases within the atmosphere in order to survive. One of these is oxygen. But from where did all this oxygen originate?It is theorized that during the Paleoproterozoic era one type of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, was responsible for the Great Oxygenation Event- a period of time during which atmospheric oxygen levels skyrocketed. The new abundance of oxygen produced as a byproduct of cyanobacterial metabolic processes gave way to a great number of species that both use and produce oxygen. Cyanobacteria still provide a great deal of oxygen today. Researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder are interested in looking at modern cyanobacteria and comparing them to their prehistoric predecessors. They assumed that the two would be quite different- after all, the world today looks quite dissimilar to the way it did so long ago. One key element the researchers examined was the carboxysomes of cyanobacteria. These are bacterial microcompartments lined with proteins and used to concentrate carbon dioxide. These are present in modern cyanobacteria to allow them to live in an era with comparatively low rates of carbon dioxide. (Note: this does not mean that the current rise in carbon dioxide levels is not concerning! The rate at which carbon is building due to human processes presents a very real danger to the planet?s health.) Scientists on the team assumed that ancient cyanobacteria, living during a period where carbon dioxide vastly outweighed oxygen levels, would have little to no carboxysomes. To test out how current cyanobacteria would react to ancient environments to see if there were differences between the modern and historical, large samples were placed into containers with similar atmospheric conditions to the Paleoproterozoic era. Observing the cyanobacteria, researchers noticed the different processing of different isotopes of carbon for metabolic processes. This would have occurred in the carboxysomes.
Microcystis under a scope. Photo by: Specious Reasons, Flickr.
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Large bloom caused by Nodularia. Photo by: NASA Earthe Observatory, Wikimedia
The next step of the study was to isolate the carboxysomes of one test group and remove them to compare the chemical signatures to a control group with carboxysomes. This information was further compared to ?zombie microbes?genetically engineered by the team. These were designed to function as cyanobacteria with no carboxysomes- the body plan the scientists assumed ancient cyanobacteria had. However, interestingly, the results of the study showed that the engineered carboxysome-free cyanobacteria produced a chemical signature which did not match scientific records obtained from actual ancient microbes. Instead, the most similar chemical signature to these was found to be modern cyanobacteria. Therefore, the study concludes that the cyanobacteria currently residing in our oceans function similarly to their predecessors. Dr. Boswell W ing, one of the lead scientists on the study, stated, ?That modern organisms could resemble these ancient cyanobacteria? that was really counterintuitive.?Essentially, we can now say with more certainty that cyanobacteria are a tangible link to ancient species that existed long before humans. These findings are key in understanding how the geochemistry of Earth came to be while understanding the current processes that provide key elements for the survival of all living species.
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Temperautres caused by the Blob event in 2015. Photo by: Laura Naranjo, Wikimedia. 12 | Seawords
Marine Heatwaves: The New Normal? By: Brenna Loving, UH W indward CC MOP Student It has been well known for many years that climate change has increased the world?s ocean temperatures dramatically, but there has been an additional spike in the number and degree of heatwaves in our oceans, especially in the Pacific Ocean. The question we are faced with now is this: will these heat waves be our ?new normal?going forward?Since 2013?s infamous ?Blob?, a massive heat wave along the west coast of the US, it has been documented that there have been an additional two similarly sizable heatwaves in 2019 and 2020. This abnormality leaves scientists questioning if this is a part of the Earth?s natural temperature cycle. In order to attempt to answer this question, scientists will need to continue data collection of oceanic temperatures over the next several decades. It is difficult to discern the implications of these extreme conditions without having detailed data of past ocean temperatures like we can collect using modern technology. Though the cause of these heat waves is still largely in question, it has become very clear what their effects are. The marine life of affected areas has experienced devastating losses and dangers as a result of events similar to the ?Blob?. Harmful algae blooms have forced several fisheries along the west coast to cease production due to the toxins from the algae that make their way into the local population of shellfish during extreme heat waves. Heatwaves over the past several years have also resulted in warm-water marine life migrating further north, potentially disrupting the northern marine ecosystem. Additionally, some marine species simply cannot survive under unfavorable conditions such as those extreme temperatures. If this is indeed the ?new normal?, an increased baseline ocean temperature could result in the loss of innumerable marine species. W hile efforts to curb the effects of global warming continue across the globe, scientists suggest that the matter of marine heatwaves will simply be a waiting game for the time being until more data are collected to point scientists in the right direction.
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The Bassel o r et t e Welcome to the Basselorette! They say there's plenty of fish in the sea- we've decided to put that to the test. We're shining a spotlight on some of the ocean's most eligible bachelors to see who turns out to be the biggest fish in the world's biggest pond. Make sure to check out our Instagram @mopseawords to participate in voting for your favorite contestant! W ho will you toss your sea daffodil to? Sea daffodils. Photo by: Amir Appel, Fliclr.
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Day octopus Octopuscyanea "I have three hearts and all of them are yours <3". W hen not hunting for crustaceans or molluscs, this bachelor can be found out and about enjoying the sunshine or relaxing at home in the evenings.
Tiger shark Galeocerdocuvier "I'm ready to sink my teeth into a serious relationship." This stunner is a real foodie; his diet ranges from snails to sea birds! Get ready for lots of adventure with this contestant, as he's always on the move to keep oxygen flowing.
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Cloudy goby Opua nephodes "Let's have a night in." For those looking for a homebody, look no further! Rest easy knowing this charmer is standing guard, so enjoy the peace and quiet. His masterful camouflage ensures that you'll be entirely undisturbed!
Spotted seahorse Hippocampuskuda "Looking for someone to go on long swims with while we link our tails :)" I hope you like to dance! A romantic through and through, this contestant makes sure to keep the magic alive with his color-changing performances.
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Hawaiian spiny lobster Panulirispenicillatus "Underneath the sharp edges I'm really just a big softie!" This night owl is looking for someone to share his cave with. Under his armored exterior is a gentle soul who values personal growth and the safety of home.
Hawaiian monk seal Neomonachusschauislandi "Likes long naps on the beach!" Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime romance with this lovable guy. He knows the importance of recharging your batteries and while generally he's the solitary type, the right companion might change that.
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Broad stingray. Photo by: Eric Chan, Flickr.
Creature of the Month: Broad Stingray \
By: Georgia Johnson-King, UHM MOP Student Found solely in the shallow waters around Hawai'i and Taiwan, the broad stingray, also known by their Hawaiian name, lupe, are gentle cartilaginous fish which dwell on the ocean floor. Common in these locales, broad stingrays are one of four stingray species in the Hawaiian archipelago. The broad stingray goes by several other monikers including the Hawaiian stingray or brown stingray. They can reach up to 123 lbs and have a wingspan of up to 5 feet. Because broad stingrays also sport venomous spines near the tip of their tail, it is essential to be careful when walking on the ocean floor to avoid startling a ray. Typically, these spines lay against the ray?s tail, but can be lifted up in order to defend. If broken, these regenerate in around 8 months. Dwelling in waters as shallow as 8 ft, their main natural predator is the hammerhead shark. During the day, these rays typically rest in shallow water, burrowing in mud or sand. Their most active hours are between dusk and dawn, when they emerge to hunt for squid, octopods, crabs, and other prey.
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Broad stingrays feature a camouflage known as countershading. This means that their top is darker than their belly. For this species, countershading manifests as a brown-black dorsal side and a white underside. Countershading works because animals seeing the stingray from above will mistake it for the ocean floor, while those seeing it from below will see it as light shining through the water. Broad stingrays have various intriguing features such as their electrical field navigation techniques akin to those of their close relatives, sharks. Known as the ampullae of Lorenzini, pores on the snout of rays and sharks allow the animal to locate prey and navigate the ocean more efficiently. Look out for these wonderful stingrays at Kaneohe Bay, as they?re especially plentiful on the windward side. W hen walking into shallow water, try using the ?stingray shuffle?by sliding your feet across the sand in order to alert any nearby stingrays to your presence and avoid stepping on them! Broad stingray on the ocean floor. Photo by: Ratha Grimes, Flickr.
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Seawall at Lahaina. Photo by: Kirt Edblom, Flickr.
Seaw al l s: Savior s or Scour ges? By: Amiti Mal oy, UHM MOP Student 20 | Seawords
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West Virginia is the ?Mountain State?, Florida the ?Sunshine State?, and Hawai?i is known as the ?Aloha State?. These official nicknames are relatively self-descriptive. Entering West Virginia you expect to see mountains and, in Florida, sunny days. So what does one envision for ?aloha??Aloha is a Hawaiian term forregard and caring with no obligation for equal exchange such that a collective existence is possible between people with mutual value and importance. W hile this representation is of deep importance to Hawaiians, it is an additive benefit to guests but not the external characteristic that people envision. Hawaii?s secondary nickname, ?Paradise of the Pacific,?gives a more descriptive picture of Hawai?i with its pristine, sandy beaches, waves, magical sunsets, hula dancers, and other uniquely Hawaiian imagery. The water, the waves, the public beaches- a magical combination that costs nothing...or does it?According to a collaboration between Ash Ngu of ProPublica and Honolulu Star-Advertiser?s Sophie Cooke, over the last 100 years the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu have seen drastic levels of beach erosion, with some places experiencing reductions of up to a 25%. Climate change related sea level rise is predicted to eliminate nearly 40%of Hawaii?s beaches by 2050. Less than 10 inches of sea level rise is sufficient to cause emergency measure requests to increase, specifically by beachfront property owners who have a history of manipulating beaches, which are all public, for their personal gain. In this case, the ?emergency measure requests?typically refer to attempts by beach property owners to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the land they have purchased. 22 | Seawords
Hawaiian seawall. Photo by: Jason Jacobs, Flickr.
Ngu and Cooke attribute one of the main causes of current beach loss to the influx of approved shoreline exemptions specifically for seawalls. Beachfront property owners built seawalls to protect their land and inadvertently hastened the kind of erosion they were trying to avoid. This problem became apparent almost four decades ago in the 1980s, when seawall property protections were popularized only to exacerbate erosion effects. The 1999 ?no tolerance?policy appears to be less forceful than realized, as applications to erect new seawalls or repair/ reconstruct more dilapidated ones continue to be accepted. Seawalls and the beach erosion they cause have impacts beyond the loss of shoreline recreation. There is great potential for large economic impacts in the form of losing tourism, which would harm the economy of the Hawaiian Islands at large. It is important not to lose sight of the fact that damage of seawall beach erosion harms natural communities as well. W hile we tend to look at beaches as sandy playgrounds for people, we are not alone enjoying these beaches. Seawalls result in less beach for important marine species like the Hawaiian monk seal who rely on those sands as a place to birth, bask, and rest. Some turtle species also utilize beach space for basking and laying eggs. Beautiful beaches are disappearing across Hawai?i at a staggering rate. As people create their own land grabs they are both contributing to the beach breakdown and reducing one of the main enticements that draws visitors to Hawai?i, all the while threatening marine life. We are individuals but also members of a human and natural community. We would all do well to remember that balance. Aloha means that we care for our neighbors and the land, not just for ourselves. FEBRUARY 2021
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Blue whale from above. Photo by: Janeb13, Pixabay.
NEW BLUES: Bl ue W hal es Located in the Indian Ocean by Song By: Chl oe Mol ou, UHH SeawordsLiaison
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Blue whales are some of the most breath-taking creatures that can be found in the oceans, and not just because of their incredible size. Weighing up to 30,000 pounds and growing to be almost 80 feet in length, these magnificent mammals are rightfully crowned the largest animals on Earth and the giants of the sea. These beautiful giants are also keen singers, with each distinct population of blue whales having their own unique song. This means that every time a new song is discovered, so is a new population. After being overheard for the first time over three years ago, a new population of blue whales was recently discovered in the Indian Ocean. The team of researchers was led by Dr. Salvatore Cherchio, a marine mammal biologist and director of the African Aquatic Conservation Fund's Cetacean Program. Dr. Cherchio and his team had first heard the unique sounds while listening to Omura?s whales, also known as dwarf fin whales, off the coast of Madagascar in 2017. Afterwards, this same mysterious population of blue whales was heard again while Dr. Cherchio and his colleagues were recording humpback whales just off the coast of Oman. This marked the first time that blue whale songs had been recorded in the Arabian Sea. After these findings had been reported to the Scientific Committee of the International W haling Commission in 2018, more recordings of this new population were brought forward by a team of researchers from Australia who had heard the song from the central Indian Ocean. All the recordings collected from the three sites revealed a possible pattern of this population inhabiting a region of the northern Indian Ocean. Dr. Cherchio and his colleagues have since published a study of this new population in the scientific journal,Endangered SpeciesResearch, which was released in December of last year. Discoveries of new populations in the world?s oceans are always exciting, but it is especially so for a species that was hunted so ferociously for its oil, with more than 320,000 killed in the last century. This discovery also highlights how much of our vast ocean has yet to be discovered, if even the largest animals on the planet can be so covert!
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Vol u m e XXXV, Nu m ber 6 Editor : Zada Boyce-Qu en tin Dr. Cyn th ia H u n ter (em in en ce gr ise) Jeffr ey Ku wabar a (em in en ce gr ise) Seawor ds- M ar in e Option Pr ogr am Un iver sity of H awai ?i , Col l ege of Natu r al Scien ces 2450 Cam pu s Road, Dean H al l 105A H on ol u l u , H I 96822-2219 Tel eph on e: (808) 956-8433 Em ail : <seawor ds@ h awaii.edu > W ebsite: <h ttp:/ / www.h awaii.edu / m op> Seawor ds is th e m on th l y n ewsl etter n ewsl etter of th e M ar in e Option Pr ogr am at th e Un iver sity of H awai?i. Opin ion s expr essed h er ein ar e n ot n ecessar il y th ose of th e M ar in e Option Pr ogr am or of th e Un iver sity of H awai?i. Su ggestion s an d su bm ission s ar e wel com e. Su bm ission s m ay in cl u de ar ticl es, ph otogr aph y,ar t wor k , or an yth in g th at m ay be of in ter est to th e m ar in e com m u n ity in H awai ?i. an d ar ou n d th e wor l d. All photos ar e taken by M OP unless other wise cr edited.