Sharkwatch

Hello, Oceanoblographers!

Last weekend, I went on a shark and whale watch hosted by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and the Whales and Dolphins Conservation (WDC). The motto of the AWSC is 'awareness inspires conservation", and the WDC's motto is 'a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.' Together the two organizations raised $18,000, which will be used to fund their education and research programs. Greg Skomal, the leading shark scientist in Massachusettes, went out on this trip the weekend before us, and he commented "To actually show these folks White Sharks and to see their reaction... I'm watching them!"

We arrived at the dock in Plymouth MA, at 7:30 am, and boarded the Son IV, well-equipped to spend the day out at sea. The anticipation level was high as we set out to sea! The fog made it hard to see where the sea met the sky, but as the day progressed, the fog burned off, leaving us with a beautiful, sunny day. As we travelled out to the cape, and around Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod, and around to the northeastern coast, we kept our eyes peeled as we listened to Wayne Davis' communications with the captain.

We saw many interesting things, including humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, great white sharks, lots of cool birds, and even a mola mola- one of the weirdest things I have ever seen in the ocean. I also had a chance to talk to several scientists, naturalists and marine biologists, as well as the founders of the AWSC. Even though I had to wake up at the crack of dawn, it was totally worth it!

I learned so much about all the animals that we saw, and I have collected so many facts that I would like to share with you, that I have decided to do three separate posts- the sharks, the mola mola, and the whales. Stay tuned for the sharks... dun dun!

The Complex Ecosystem of the California Channel Islands

Hello!
I just got back home from being in Santa Barbara, and while I was there, I visited the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. There, I learned a lot about the Channel Islands in California, and the wildlife that lives there.

Garibaldi Fish

The Channel Islands are an archipelago of eight islands off the coast of Southern California. The islands are an interesting mix of hot and cool currents and are located at the border of two tectonic plates. Thirty-five years ago, five of the Channel Islands were named National Marine Sanctuaries, in hopes of protecting the thousands of marine creatures that live there. A unique environment, the Channel Islands are home to over 100 species living only in that area. You can find all sizes of animals and plants there, ranging from huge whales to bioluminescent jellies to tiny plankton. One of the really fascinating fish I saw at the aquarium was the state fish of California- the Garibaldi. Native to the kelp forests around the Channel Islands, the Garibaldi lives nowhere else. This brightly colored fish is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a figure in Italian military and politics, whose followers, and supporters wore bright red and orange shirts.

Kelp and kelpfish

One thing that I really enjoyed seeing - or rather, not seeing - was the camouflage. Many of the species can blend into the rocks, ocean or even the kelp! One fish- called the kelpfish - is the exact shape of a kelp leaf and can change colors to blend in perfectly. Some other fish were the exact color of the rocks and were totally hidden. Even the needlefish was easily mistaken for a piece of grass-like algae.
Something that the aquarium did that was really impressive was replicate the conditions of the kelp forests. Whether it was the water temperature or cloning the waves surging in their "Surge Tank", it was especially enjoyable to be able to see the fish in an environment so similar to their own.

Needlefish

Finally, after hanging out with some jellyfish, nudibranchs, and even an octopus, it was time to leave. The aquarium was very educational, and the exhibit made me want to visit one of the eight islands, both above and below the water,  on my next trip to Southern California!