Protecting Marine Resources

We can describe “sustainable resources” as renewable resources which are being economically exploited (used) in such a way that they will not diminish or run out.  People want or need to use the ocean’s resources but a balance must be maintained to ensure that they will be there for the future.

Over the past two weeks you have heard about marine conservation work, watched the movie “Blackfish”, and read from the text book about marine resources. With this classwork as a backdrop, blog about the following:

1. What role does the marine wildlife and nature play in your life?
2. How does the use of marine resources impact you on a personal level?
3. Specifically, what new thoughts do you have about marine resources and the way they are used by people?

Finally, what Code of Ethics will you take to protect marine resources both now and in the future?

Criteria for assessment of your blog post:

• at least three paragraphs in length (a paragraph is 8 – 10 sentences long);
• each answer includes supporting information;
• there is a link to a site that provides more information about a particular resource discussed;
• a picture that provides applicable visual interest is embedded, with a citation to the original source.

Photo credit: UCL Inst. for Sustainable Resources

Read Full Post »

Bonnethead Sharks

Bonnethead sharks are in the order Carcharhiniformes, the family Sphyrnidae, the genus Sphyrna, and the species tiburo.

They are limited to the warm waters of the Northern Hemisphere, ranging in the Atlantic Ocean from the south of New England, to the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil. They are more common throughout the Caribbean Sea including Cuba and Bahamas. The Bonnethead is also occasionally found in Bermuda. In the Pacific, this shark can be found from southern California to waters off the coast of Ecuador. Bonnetheads move closer to the equator as waters grow colder during the winter months.

Bonnetheads feed during daylight hours primarily on crustaceans, dominated by blue crabs. They also feed on mantis shrimp, pink shrimp, mollusks, and small fish.

They are believed to mate during the spring and autumn or perhaps even year-round. In the waters off the coast of Brazil, mating occurs during the spring. After mating, the females can store sperm for up to four months prior to actually fertilizing the eggs. The control that they have over the fertilization period is believed to be an adaptation to ensure that the pups are born during the best conditions for their survival. Considered harmless to humans, this species is rather shy. There has been only one recorded unprovoked attack attributed to the Bonnethead. Larger sharks are potential predators of the Bonnethead. Vision and hearing capabilities are exceptional as well as the sensitivity of the lateral line to small vibrations, alerting them to nearby potential prey.

Read Full Post »

Sea Lions at Mystic Aquarium

At the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, I saw an abundant number of marine animals, all of which were very interesting to observe and to take pictures of. Many of the sea creatures provoked feelings and emotions from me. The animal that provoked the most response and the most feelings from me were the California Sea Lions. They intrigued me greatly, probably because they were the most captivating and entertaining to watch. they were giant and very amusing to watch.

The feelings that the California Sea Lions provoked from me were intense. The feelings that I experienced was the senses of calmness and relaxation, as they were swimming fastly but gracefully under the water, but as the came out onto the rocks and started speaking, I felt the intense feeling of amusement, awe and excitement.

I felt that we made a great decision to go to the Aquarium.  I liked the Auditorium and the outside exhibits most. They spaced out the exhibits perfectly. I would recommend schools to go there for field trips. One thing I would change about the whole experience was I would ask the Aquarium to get rid of the seagulls swarming around the eating area.

Read Full Post »

Sea turtles by marykate

Sea turtles are found in warm seas throughout they world. These turtles are found in shallow waters near the coast, bays, lagoons, and estuaries. Some are also found in the open sea, the young are usually found closer to the coast. Sea turtles lay eggs. Each species is at a different age when they reach sexual maturity. In hawkbills it can be as early as 3 years old in longerheads it is 12-30 years old, and in green sea turtles its 20-50 years old. Female sea turtles come ashore to lay 50 to 200 eggs which are soft shelled and leathery in texture. The female covers the eggs with sand. These sea turtles usually return to the same beach to nest every year. The size of the sea turtles depends on the species. Each varies in size. Green Sea turtles can weigh about 400 pounds and can grow to 45 inches long. Black Sea turtles are about 278 pounds. Leatherback sea turtles can grow to be over 1,000 pounds and are over 6 feet tall. They are the largest. The organisms sea turtles eat depends on the species. They eat sea grasses and algae, sponges, shrimps, squids,  crabs, molluscs, jellyfish, sea weed, cuttlefish, and sea cucumbers. Humans are the main predator to sea turtles. Baby sea turtles are also eaten by fish, frogs, minks and snakes. Their eggs are eaten by scunks and raccoons.

 

 

Read Full Post »