SEAW ORDS TheMarineOption Program Newsletter
January 2021
Volume XXXVI, Number 1
Aloha, and welcome to the January issue of Seawords! Happy New Year! It feels especially good to bid 2020 goodbye, and look forward to a hopefully brighter 2021. During this period of transition and new beginnings, we're looking at ways that governments around the world are renewing their commitments to marine conservation (pages 6 & 16). Turn to page 20 to read up on other organisms assisting in the fight against climate change. We're also excited to welcome back our annual visitors, the humpback whales migrating to the islands! For more information on how to safely observe these amazing mammals, go to page 10. And on page 14, find out what your fish name would be! We're wishing everyone a happy start to the new year! 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: DON'T MOPE, JOIN MOP! 6: A NEW INTERNATIONAL PLEDGE FOR CONSERVATION 8: OCEAN PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 10: HUMPBACK W HALE ADVISORY 14: FIND YOUR FISH NAME 16: HEALTHY OCEAN, HEALTHY PLANET 20: SUPER SEAW EED
Photo Credits Fr ont Page: Humpback whale breaching. By: Gregory 'Slobirdr' Smith, Flickr. Tabl e of Contents: W hale tail. By: Adam Searcy, Flickr. Back Cover : Inquisitive fish. By: Ozzy Delaney, Flickr.
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MOP student surveying reef during the QUEST summer program. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator
Don't Mope, Join MOP! 4 | Seawords
COVID has caused innumerable interruptions to campus life; however, the Marine Option Program (MOP) is open and offering a host of benefits for students! To keep everyone safe, activities are being conducted via Zoom, and include informative seminars on topics in marine biology, documentary viewings, and virtual get-togethers with a community of like-minded peers. Visit https:/ / manoa.hawaii.edu/ mop/ category/ events/ to view the spring 2021 calendar. Any student with an interest in marine science is welcome to join MOP; earning your certificate through the program gives you an experiential education in the field of marine biology, as well as providing you with an extensive network of scientists, researchers, and other MOP alumni! In addition, MOP frequently announces fantastic job and internship opportunities for students, and has many ways for students to participate in research in the specific field of their choice. Each campus in the UH system has a MOP office and coordinator; find yours here: https:/ / manoa.hawaii.edu/ mop/ about-us/ mop-coordinators/ and get involved today!
MOP students at the beach. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator
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Crashing waves. Photo by: Tony Hisgett, Flickr.
A NEW INTERNATIONAL PLEDGE FOR CONSERVATION By: Brenna Loving, UH W indward CC MOP Student 6 | Seawords
In early December, the leaders of 14 countries sat down via video conference and constructed the most progressive pledge for ocean conservation the world has ever known. In an effort to curb the devastating effects of overfishing and plastic waste, these coastal countries have pledged to actively manage 100%of the oceans under their purview by 2025. In addition, they have committed to officially mark 30%of ocean territory as protected by 2030, in line with the United Nations??30 by 30?campaign. This new initiative will monitor both industrial fishing and illegal fishing, and will manage waste produced by maritime industries. This pledge includes efforts such as using new technology to improve fishing practices, increasing sustainable means of fishing, providing a new waste management infrastructure (especially for developing countries), and decarbonizing the maritime shipping industry. The countries involved account for 40%of the world?s coastlines, and all have a culture heavily influenced by the ocean. These nations include Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Palau, and Portugal. Called the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, these countries make up a significant portion of the world?s economic investment in oceans, and are therefore on the front lines of concerns facing marine ecosystems due to climate change. Not only is this pledge beneficial to the overall health of oceans around the world, but there is expected to be an economic return as well. Economists have estimated a $5 return on every $1 investment into management of the world?s marine ecosystems and fisheries. W ith better management, such as that of this new initiative, endangered marine species could thrive, and food production could increase by 6 times over the current rate. However, in order to make the most lasting impact, the help and cooperation of every country is needed, especially larger nations with wide reaches who were not among the initial 14 to sign the pledge. The nations of this initiative welcome any other country to join them in their efforts to better manage the world?s precious oceans. Commercial fishing vessel. Photo by: Deborah Freeman, Flickr.
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Fish sanctuary in Bangladesh. Photo by: Worldfish, Flickr.
Ocean Plan Sustainab
By: Alexandrya Robins
The ocean is by far the most important contributor to the regulation of the Earth?s temperature. Due to increased effects of greenhouse gases, the ocean?s absorption of heat from the sun has caused a temperature increase across the globe, throwing off sensitive processes in the ocean, both biotic and abiotic. One of the most noticeable changes is in the distribution of species. A research project led by Malin Pinsky at Rutgers University-New Brunswick closely examined almost 12,000 different species distribution projections, and found that there were 736 species located around North America that have changed in range this century. W hat will the effects of range changes be, and what can be done about it?One field that is likely to be especially affected are fisheries. Rising temperatures are causing species to move farther north or south towards cooler polar waters. In addition to the numerous impacts this is likely to have on food webs and overall ecosystem balance, the potential economic consequences are of concern to many people who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. The fact that so many species are fleeing their natural habitats can seem grim,
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nning for a ble Future
son, UHM MOP Student
especially as "complete climate-proofing is impossible,?states Pinsky. Although there will definitely be trickle down effects through the food web, the reality of species redistribution is not as condemning as it sounds. W ith careful planning and evaluation in both the near future and within the century, the effects of forced climate migration can be mitigated effectively. The framework for conserving species moving to new locations is already there with the patchwork conservation areas all around the globe. W hile there may not currently be a complete protection area, the idea is that patchy area coverage allows for multiple species to move between protected spaces even in their migration to more suitable temperature zones. This means that ?? proactively planning for long-term ocean change across a wide range of sectors is likely to provide substantial benefits? " reiterates Pinsky in the article. Currently, the patchwork system is not equipped to handle the effects of climate migration. However, researchers are closely examining data and maps of established conservation, fishing, and energy zones in the ocean to determine how best to allocate protected space for relocating species.
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Humpback whale breaching the surface of the water. Photo by: Scott Moore, Flickr.
HUMPBACK W HALE ADVISORY By: Geor gia Johnson-King, UHM MOP Student
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As the beginning of whale season approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would like to remind the public that humpback whales will soon be present in Hawaiian waters. Traditionally, MOP students have gone to Spitting Caves to participate in NOAA's annual whale count. Unfortunately, this year, that will not be possible, but there are many locations around the island where whales can be seen from shore. MOP students at NOAA's whale count. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator
The peak of humpback whale season is between January and March, although whales may start arriving earlier than this or leave later. The whales spend summer months feeding in the krill-rich Alaskan waters, and migrate annually to Hawaii for calving. The islands provide a safe breeding ground and habitat to give birth to and nurse their calves. The gestation period of humpback whales is around 11 months, and though they do not travel in pods like other species, they do work cooperatively, and mothers stay with their calves for about a year. Humpback whale & calf. Photo by: texaus1, Flickr.
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NOAA offers the following tips and guidelines so people can safely appreciate these beautiful whales: - Residents should be cautious when using marine vessels and enjoying recreational activities such as fishing or diving. - In Hawaii, being within 100 yards of a humpback whales when in or atop the water, or within 1,000 feet by air, is illegal. - The public should remain vigilant while in or near the water, operate water vehicles at safe speeds, and familiarize themselves with helpful phone numbers. To report a Marine Mammal Stranding or Entanglement, call NOAA's hotline at 888-256-9840. To report a vessel travelling too close to a whale, contact NOAA's Fisheries Enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964. Alternatively, the U.S. Coast Guard is available on VHF channel 16.
Group of humpback whales. Photo by: National Marine Sanctuaries, Flickr.
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Fishes on the reef. Photo by: Keith DP Wilson, Flickr.
FIND YOUR FISH NAME Have you ever wondered what your common name would be if you were a fish?Well, wonder no more! Simply find the descriptor and family associated with the first letter of your last name and your birth month to receive your unique fish name.Visit marinelifephotography.com to learn more about fishes living around the Hawaiian islands! 14 | Seawords
First letter of your last name: A- Threespot B- Spinecheek C- Bluestreak D- Cloudy E- Snoutspot F- Chocolate-dip G- Inexplicable H- Banded I- Flame J-Phoenix K- Semicircle L-Divine M- Tomato
N- Lemonpeel O- Blue-velvet P- Reticulated Q- Vagabond R- Spot-tail S- Panda T- Latticed U- Spectacled V- Swarthy W - Brick X- Peppered Y- Sunrise Z- Nebulous
Your birth month January- W rasse February- Lizardfish March- Shark April- Butterflyfish May- Goby June- Grouper
July- Ray August-Snapper September- Surgeonfish October- Barracuda November- Boxfish December- Damselfish
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Waves on the sea. Photo by: Josh Cowper, Flickr.
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HEALTHY OCEAN, HEALTHY PLANET By: Amiti Mal oy, UHM MOP Student JANUARY 2021
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?The ear th has had five major extinctions and now w e ar e in the middl e of the sixth gr eat extinction, this time because of human impact?-Anthropocene: TheHuman Epoch (2018 documentary, dir. Jennifer Baichwal) ________________________________________________________________________ One of the ecosystems most easily affected by the consequences of climate change is the ocean. Rising temperatures are bleaching corals, and the ocean?s overall health is further impaired by a myriad of other man-made problems including overfishing, pollution, excess nutrient run-off contaminating the waters, and plastic. Healthy oceans sustain healthy marine life, humans, and with carbon exchange, a healthier planet. In November 2016, 196 members of the Conference of the Parties (COP) from the 2015 Paris Agreement committed to an international climate change treaty. This momentous recognition of climate problems and need for ambitious changes has resulted in the development of several long-term strategies. A key component of the treaty?s success relies on nations working together to combat climate change and mitigate its effects. This means that developed countries will be financially helping vulnerable populations with sea level rise. Simultaneously, scientists and governments are exploring ocean technologies and marine-based eco-focused solutions. Calls by ocean conservation supporters for marine protected areas (MPAs) increasing from 8% to 30%illustrates an understanding that these protections are a proven positive change maker for the targeted areas. Diver researches coral. Photo by: Andreas Dietzel, Flickr.
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Fish on a reef. Photo by: Q. Phia, Flickr.
Another collection of nations across the globe, the United Nations, advanced their commitment to fighting climate change through agreement to the 2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its special report specifically focused on the ocean and cryosphere (parts of the Earth?s surface covered by frozen water). At this panel, they discussed the magnitude and rapidity with which biodiversity is impacted by oceans. Realizing the assets that coastal wetlands provide, impacted areas extending to include coastal wetlands through nationally determined contributions have led to widespread recognition of the pivotal roles these wetlands play in protecting against shore erosion, handling storm surge energy, and filtering water while nurturing juvenile marine species. Using knowledge of successful conservation practices like coastal wetland restoration and MPAs while working to research and develop additional solutions such as carbon storage, enhanced marine protections, adaptations, and resilience is essential because ultimately the health of the world requires a healthier ocean.
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Super Seagr ass: The Role of Seagrass in Mitigating Climate Change By: Brenna Loving, UH W indward CC MOP Student 20 | Seawords
Seagrass meadow. Photo by: NOAA Photo Library, Flickr.
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Grazing sea turtle. Photo by: P. Lindgren, Wikimedia.
The often overlooked meadows of seagrass in our oceans may be more useful than one might think in the battle against climate change. W hile incredibly important in the marine ecosystem as food and habitat for many organisms, seagrasses have been estimated to account for 18 percent of the ocean?s carbon dioxide sequestration while only covering 0.1 percent of the ocean floor, according to a UN report. Imagine what could be done when that area percentage is increased! Fortunately, seagrasses are a very resilient part of the marine ecosystem, as they are able to adapt to changes in their environment quickly (although perhaps not quickly enough for the rapid rise in temperatures caused by climate change). Despite their flexible nature to adapt, various factors are working against the growth and repopulation of seagrasses across the globe. Some of these aggravations stem from fertilizer runoff stimulating the growth of sun-blocking algae blooms, rising temperatures, and overfishing.
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Similar to forests on land, seagrasses prove to be a vital source in maintaining surrounding ecosystems through oxygen production and physical protection from threatening forces. For example, an equivalent to trees and vegetation on a mountain helping to block a mudslide, seagrasses act as a speed-bump to slow threatening currents and storms from destroying the shoreline. Not only is seagrass oxygen production fruitful, it is also audibly pleasing as well! According to seagrass expert Carlos Duarte in Saudi Arabia, seagrasses produce a cheerful bell-like sound when releasing bubbles of oxygen. It is currently speculated that this sound is used to help organisms that rely on these meadows of seagrass to find it as a place to grow, mature, and nurture. Regardless, what a sweet symphony of bells beneath the sea! In order to keep those bells chiming, researchers are looking for ways to protect and increase the growth of seagrasses around the world in hopes of helping to curve the devastating effects of global warming and pollution. From the use of drones in order to track seagrass growth to tracking turtles and sharks in order to find new beds, scientists are more keen on these meadows than ever. Seagrasses- the underdogs battling the monstrous threat of climate change! A field of seagrass. Photo by: Florida Sea Grant, Flickr.
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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.