Seaw rds The Marine Option Program Newsletter
March 2019
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“Turtles mistake this plastic for food and as more turtles ingest plastic, more are dying because of it.”
MOP BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SEA TURTLE CAMPER ON EAST ISLAND OCEAN ART: CLEANING UP AFTER THE STORM
March 2019 Articles
Volume XXXIII, Number 3
Page 3: Letter from the Editor Page 4: MOP Back to School BBQ Page 6: A day in the life of a sea turtle field camper on East Island Page 10: Ocean Updates Page 12: Critter of the Month Page 14: Marine Mammal of the Month Page 16: MOP Student Interview Page 14: Ocean Art Page 18: Global Temperatures are Rising Faster than Previously Expected Page 20: Shipwreck of the Month Page 22: Ocean Art Page 24: Plans for seismic drilling blocked due to Trump’s government shutdown Page 26: Generation Blue Page 28: Hanauma Bay: Calendar of Events Page 29: Flashback: 2009 Page 30: MOP Calendar of Events
About the Photography -Cover: Koa Matsuoka, 2015, Flickr -Table of Contents: Mark Sullivan, NOAA Fisheries Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, 2007, Flickr -February Calendar of Events: Mark Sullivan, NOAA Monk Seal Research Program, 2007, Flickr -Back cover: Chelonia mydas resting on East Island by Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Flickr -MOP Back to School BBQ: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator -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 user’s flickr account. 2| Seawords
Letter from the Editor
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loha!
Welcome to the turtle-y awesome March issue of Seawords! Discover our very special turtle-themed issue with articles about Hawai‘i’s honu, MOP student internships, updates on turtles from Hawai‘i to Florida and much more! Not only does this issue hold turtle-tastic articles, it also has important updates on the urgent issues of ocean warming and seismic drilling. Don’t worry shipwreck lovers -- we’ve got something for you, too! Alyssa Mincer, UHM MOP student, paints a story of the Endurance that sank in 1915. Find this little piece of history on page 20. Sea turtles don’t take all the glory this month -- we left room for our special Marine Mammal of the Month – the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). These high flying marine mammals are a popular sight off of the Hawaiian Islands. Learn what you can do to ensure their safety and health on page 14! Missed the MOP Back to School BBQ? No worries! Turn to page 4 and read all about the fun we had -- you won’t want to miss it next semester! Don’t forget to check out the featured Ocean Art poem by Professor Eric Paul Shaffer! A big thanks for his gift of poetry to Seawords! What would you like to see more of in Seawords? Send us your thoughts! Mahalo for reading,
Jenny Johnson, Seawords Editor Seawords
Volume XXXIII, Number 3, March 2019 Editor: Jenny Johnson 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.
MARCH 2019 |3
MOP Back to School BBQ
By: Jenny Johnson, Editor
T
he Spring 2019 semester started out with another memorable MOP back to school BBQ at Bellows Beach. The fun began bright and early as MOP students gathered at the MOP office, awaiting their ride in the old UH Mānoa white vans. Luckily, these vans have plenty of windows as the
scenery on the drive to Bellows is not one that should be missed. The two white vans full of MOP students arrived at Bellows around 10 am, where they found Jeff Kuwabara, UHM Coordinator, already standing by the grill with a big grin on his face. It was time for the real fun to begin!
MOP students try to stay warm on Bellows Beach. Photo by: Emily Gootgeld, UHM MOP Student Coordinator. 4| Seawords
Before anyone could get settled, there were many snacks to be eaten. MOP students did very well contributing to the potluck by bringing an array of tasty treats. The homemade, vegan potato salad and chilly made kindly by Jeff Kuwabara’s thoughtful girlfriend, Brianne, would be a huge hit a bit later with all of the delicious grilled food. MOPers must have had a sweet tooth since the first thing to go were my homemade chocolate chip cookies. Luckily, Taylor Williams, brought even more chocolate chip cookies later in the day. The food was so good that everyone just continually snacked, even after the main dish. Nice work, MOP! The day was on the cooler side with big
Student Coordinator, Taylor Williams, Lindsey Bull, myself and others thought it was a better idea to stay in our blanket and watch the fearless from shore. We also couldn’t leave the best part of the whole BBQ UHM MOP alumna, Kari and Stephen Matadobra’s nine-month old baby girl. She made the day even better with her hilarious personality - definitely the center of attention! The MOP Back to School BBQ is a time where new MOP students, long-time MOPers arrive at Bellows Beach. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator. students, past students and gusts of wind guaranteed to give a few goosebumps. friends of MOP can get Thankfully, Jeff came prepared with blankets and sweat- together for a fun, relaxed day and get to know each shirts for MOP students to use while the sun hid be- other better. There are always many laughs and memohind the clouds. Eventually, the sun peeked out for ries made at these BBQ’s! If you are a current student just long enough to get all of us- students, staff, alumni or alumni, don’t hesitate to join us - we want you there! and friends - down to the sandy beach, and some even Thank you to everyone who made it out to Bellows into the water! The bravest ran into the water to boo- Beach, brought food and made our day that much betgie board, surf and swim. Emily Gootgeld, UHM MOP ter! n
MOpers fall in love with MOP Alumna, Kari and Stephen Matadobra’s nine month old baby girl. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator. MARCH 2019 |5
A day in the life of a sea turtle field camper on East Island
By: Lindsey Bull, UHM MOP Student Staff
Female Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS permit.
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magine waking up in a tent hearing the waves The sea turtle team for 2018 was comprised of myself, crash, the screams of countless nesting seabirds, Lindsey Bull, Marylou and Jan-Willem Staman. Maand the sound of monk seal pups vocalizing at their moms. You begin to feel the heat from the sun, and you get up and unzip your tent door to realize you are on East Island at French Frigate Shoals. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is home to an abundant number of animals that call the Hawaiian Islands their home. Given the opportunity, some of us more fortunate scientists get to call this amazing place our home during the summer. Each year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) deploys small field teams to various atolls throughout the Monument. Scientists studying the endemic Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) are set-up at French Frigate Shoals, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef, and Kure Atoll. Scientists studying Hawaiian green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) like myself are stationed at French Frigate Shoals (FFS), where we camp on East Island and Tern Island. FFS consists of eight sandy islands: Shark, Tern, Trig, Round, East, Gin, Little Gin, Disappearing and a single rocky pinnacle called La Perouse. However, more than half of the turtle nesting for the season occurs on East Island.
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UHM MOP Student Staff, Lindsey Bull, performing an afternoon perm
UHM MOP Student Staff, Lindsey Bull, engraving a turtle number. Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS permit. rylou and Jan-Willem were returning for their second season at FFS and after spending a season out here, I understand why they were eager to come back. We work on a rotation of two scientists spending two weeks on East Island and one scientist spending one week on Tern Island. We only have one scientist on Tern Island
n survey on East Island. Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS mit.
at a time because there are not as many nesting sea turtles on Tern like there are on East. East Island is only about 2000 feet long and 400 feet wide. That is about six football fields long and a little over one football field wide. This is what we called home from mid-April to early October. When you look at satellite images this island appears to be a “sandbar,” but once we arrived we observed it was so much more. This island consisted of many species of plants, nesting seabirds, endemic Hawaiian monk seals and of course Hawaiian green sea turtles. The water surrounding the island is shades of teal and blue that you would not believe, and home to foraging eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) and huge patrolling tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier) and Galapagos sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis) preying on disoriented albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) fledglings and newly pupped monk seals playing in the waves. Having this scenery as our front yard made East Island seem like a dream paradise. I bet you are wondering what a day at field camp consists of. Since sea turtles nest at night, there were some major adjustments to our sleeping schedule to make sure we would be able to stay up the entire night into the next morning. However, just like we see in the main Hawaiian Islands, the sea turtles also bask on the beaches during the day time. Our work day generally started around 4pm, when we would walk around the island to survey the basking turtles. During our afternoon surMARCH 2019 |7
UHM MOP Student Staff, Lindsey Bull, helping a Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchling. Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS permit. veys we would lightly engrave and use non-toxic white paint to mark numbers on the turtlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shells so that
we could walk around and record which turtles were basking without disturbing them the next time. Then, if any of the turtles needed DNA samples, tags, or measurements we would take care of that, too. Once we had those data, we did not have to disturb the turtles again and we used it to estimate the nesting population for the season. When our daytime work was complete, we began to prepare for the night survey. In the beginning of the season we started our nightly surveys at 9 pm, but later on in the season when the hatchlings were starting to emerge we shifted gears and began surveying just around sunset at 7 pm, which is peak hatching time.
View of an Albatross chick (Phoebastria immutabilis) from inside the tent on East Island. Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS permit. 8|â&#x20AC;&#x192;Seawords
Walking around a small relatively deserted island in the middle of the night might sound kind of scary but to my surprise it was
Turtle team. Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS permit.
and lean on my backpack and stare up at the sky. I was amazed at the number of stars I could see and how the Milky Way lit up the whole sky. Most people would think that the challenge of our job is staying up all night. However, when we walk our final lap just around first light we try and get ready for bed as fast as we can because the real challenge is falling asleep. Once the sun was up, the temperature in our tents would skyrocket and then adding on the lovely screams of the birds made it extremely hard to sleep. If we got more then 3-4 hours of sleep in a row, it was a miracle. We usually call our field season, a summer of napping.
The experiences I gained from my time in the field are ones that very peaceful. However, I did have to make sure to keep an eye out for countless obstacles such as sleeping monk only a few places can offer. The memories will last a lifeseals - especially mom and pup pairs - and of course time, and the new skills and knowledge I gained have the dozens of nesting female sea turtles. Most nights we helped point me toward a career. Some people would be used red light-emitting headlamps, but when there was scared of the idea that they have no cell phone, internet, a full moon it was so bright there was no need for any running water or a room with walls, however, I am alextra light. My favorite part about working all night was ready looking forward to when I get to go back. when I had found a female that was in the final stages of preparing her nest for eggs and I could sit on the berm
East Island. Photo taken under NOAA and USFWS permit. MARCH 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;|9
cean updates
By: Kayla White, 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.
Is the warming climate washing up more turtles?
the sea turtles migrate further north to the Gulf of Maine but are trapped by the peninsula of Cape Cod A spike in the number of turtles washed up on the when the seasons change. According to this research, beaches in the northeastern US has been linked to young turtles are especially at risk as the populations changes in the global ocean temperature. The Kemp’s shift northward. ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is one of the most endangered species on the planet and has been found Oscar and Kiwa frequently “stunned” on shores. Due to exposure to cold Two green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were successwater, lethargy sets in and can accumulate, eventually fully released in New Zealand almost two years after leading to death if untreated. Ten years ago, it was rare their initial rescue from the North Island at Ninety Mile to see more than 100 cold-stunned sea turtles on the Beach in July of 2016. When rescued, the two turtles shores of the north Atlantic in a year, but recently, numwere in very poor condition due to plastic ingestion, so bers have exceeded 1,000. While scientists believe the the Sea Life Trust was thrilled to see their rehabilitation current problem for the turtles is cold water, the warmgo as planned. Senior Aquarist, Harry Josephson-Ruting of the oceans may be the source of the long-term ter, says “It’s a bitter sweet feeling. We’ve cared for these issue. turtles for so long and you kind of have a bond with In the summers when the sea temperature is warmer, them...But the ocean is where they belong.” The rehabilitation process took about 18 months, or 540 days total. The first step in the rehab was to get a vet check at the Auckland Zoo. Once completed, they were transferred back to Kelly Tarlton’s where the Sea Life Trust is located to complete their rehab in a quarantined facility. The two turtles, Oscar and Kiwa, were released with a team in the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve 15 miles offshore.
FWC biologist examines a Kelp’s ridley sea turtle’s mouth for oil. Photo by: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Flickr. 10| Seawords
The biggest way the program suggests helping is by reducing our plastic use and recycling the plastic we do have. Turtles mistake this plastic for food and as more turtles ingest plastic, more are dying because of it. Some, like Oscar and Kiwa are rehabilitated and released back into the ocean, but Andrew Christie, Curator, says “There’s so much plastic now floating around our oceans, it’s not looking good for the turtle populations around the world…We need to start acting and do things better.”
to breed, find shelter, feed or other necessary functions. E nv i ron me nt a l i st s view this law as a milestone, but some agriculture business and mining companies believe this law is too restrictive. The Trump Administration has recently set out to change the applications of the law to reduce what they consider burdensome protections for threatened species. The Act has some defenders from the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Arizona though. Researchers looked at 31 different marine mammal and sea turtle populations and found that 75 percent of the Chelonia mydas basking on rocks in the sea. Photo by: Bernard turtles and 78 percent of the marine mammals increased their population size since the passSpragg, NZ, Flickr. ing of the Endangered Species Act. Only nine percent, none of which were sea turtle populaEndangered Species Act tions, decreased after receiving the legal protection. In 1973, many were concerned that America’s native plants and animals were close to extinction, leading Sea turtles in particular have benefited from this law beto the passing of the Endangered Species Act. This law cause their populations have increased by 980 percent. names species either “endangered,” meaning they’re at The Hawaiian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanrisk for becoming extinct throughout a portion of their gliae) population has increased from just 800 whales to range, or “threatened,” meaning they’re likely to be en- more than 10,000 and it was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2016. Many species are on their dangered in the near future. way back up thanks to this act, and many more will be Once a plant or animal is on this list, it can’t be harmed saved in the future. n or harvested. Their habitats can’t be altered or modified in any way that could kill, harm, or impair their ability
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching off of Maui, Hawai‘i. Photo by: Scott Moore, Flickr. MARCH 2019 |11
critter of the Month By: Kelsey Loenhorst, UHM MOP Student
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Hawaiian Name: Honu Distribution: Spotted in any tropical or subtropical sea, although the highest population levels are in the Pacific and the Atlantic Size: Up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 420 pounds! Diet: Adults primarily eat seagrass and algae, while juveniles can eat a wide variety of plants, crustaceans, seagrass and worms. Coloration: The turtle’s shells have various color patterns that change over time, but typically have brown and yellow undertones Habitat: These turtles occupy three habitat types: nesting on beaches, convergence zones in the pelagic habitat, and benthic feeding grounds in relatively shallow waters; all depending on their life stage Depth: Relatively shallow waters around convergence zones or feeding grounds IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
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f you are lucky enough to spend a generous amount of time on Hawai‘i beaches, you are most likely going to spot a sea turtle. There are three species of sea turtles native to the Hawaiian Islands: the green (Chelonia mydas), the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate) and the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). These fascinating creatures have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawai‘i’s people. Of the three native sea turtles, the green turtle (honu) is the most common. They are easily distinguished from other sea turtles because they have a single pair of prefrontal scales (scales in front of its eyes), rather than two pairs as found on other sea turtles. They are also the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world, reaching lengths of five feet and weights over 420 pounds! The colors of their carapace (upper shell) can have various color patterns that change over time but typically they are brown with yellow undertones, sometimes having black streaks. So why are they called green sea turtles instead of brown? Green turtles were given their name due to them pigging out on so much algae and sea grasses, that their fat layer actually turns green! Although, their diets do change significantly throughout their lives, it seems only adult sea turtles mostly eat seagrass and algae. When the sea turtles are young (less than 8 to 10 inches), they have been known to eat worms, young crustaceans,
Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) basks on Turtle Beach, O‘ahu. Photo by: Edmund Garman, Flickr. 12| Seawords
Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) swims in the ocean. Photo by: Konrad Kendrick, Flickr. aquatic insects, grasses and algae. These beach dwellers mainly stay near the coastline and around islands and live in bays and protected shores, especially in areas with seagrass beds. It is not unusual to spot a green sea turtles basking in the sun for hours on shore -- not too bad of a life, huh? While sea turtles are almost always spotted cruising tropical waters, eating or basking in the sun, they do unfortunately encounter many threats. Human actions, both intentional and unintentional, are currently having major effects. Intentional threats include hunting, poaching and egg harvesting. Unintentional threats include boat strikes, fish nets, pollution and habitat destruction. Chemical pollution has also been known to create tumors on sea turtles; this has been common near harbors. Due to the many threats turtles face every day they have been listed as endangered by the IUCN and are now protected from exploitation in most countries. It is illegal to collect, harm, kill and even touch sea turtles. In addition, many countries have laws and ordinances to protect nesting areas. Whether the turtle is in the water or resting on a beach, any physical contact is prohibited.
swept over the pacific region causing East Island to nearly vanish. East Island is a small but extremely important island in French Frigate Shoals, only measuring 11-acres long. However, this stretch of sand and gravel is one of the most important nesting sites for green sea turtles. The island represents the nesting site for 96 percent of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hawaiian green sea turtle population and the tiny islet has been host to 50 percent of those breeding turtles. The hurricane also swept away the home to critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Each year about 200 of these seals visit East Island to birth their pups. It is unclear so far if the island will return or if the animals will return to what is left of East Island. Current research in Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i shows the green turtle population has been stabilizing and in some cases increasing since they have been protected by federal law. Researchers stated in 2016, the green sea turtle population has had an increasing nesting population trend of 5% per year over the last two decades. So next time you spot one of these fascinating creatures be sure to give them their space to protect them for generations to come. n
With all laws in place, sometimes nature still takes the upper hand. In October 2018, a category five hurricane MARCH 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;|13
By: Nicholas Yoshioka, UHM MOP Student
Spinner Dolphin Marine Mammal of the Month:
Spinner Dolphin
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Scientific Name: Stenella longirostris Hawaiian Name: Nai‘a Range: Tropical, subtropical, warm temperate oceans Diet: Fish and deep ocean species (ie. lLanternfish, shrimp, and squid) Size: 1.7 to 2.2 meters, 75 kilograms Habitat: Mainly offshore, nearshore in certain island chains ICUN Red List Status: Unknown
haracterized by their curious and fun-loving nature, dolphins have become a well-known figure across all of the world’s oceans. Hawai‘i is home to three main species of dolphins -the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), the spotted (Stenella frontalis) and the spinner dolphins. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) have been seen across every tropical ocean around the world, and with advances in technology and better surveying techniques, we are just now beginning to understand their true nature.
that they leap out of the water. Unlike all other dolphin species, spinner dolphins “rotate” or “spin” themselves when they jump. This “spinning” however, is more than just some performance. Scientists and psychologists believe the purpose of spinning out of the water is to remove attached fish/parasites and to communicate through signaling -- signals like “Let’s go” or “Watch out.” Another unique characteristic of spinner dolphins is that they are mostly nocturnal. During the night, spinner dolphins dive into ocean depths of 3,000 feet to hunt Spinner dolphins received their name from the way for their prey. The pod is divided into subgroups which then take turns diving for food, looking out for predators, and supervising the young as they are not yet ready to make the long dives. A pod of spinner dolphins can be as many as a few dozens to a couple thousand in size in which they are more efficient in finding prey. After the pod is well fed, they make their way into the coastal areas of islands to rest and recharge for the next night -- this is when most tourists spot the dolphins. Parents, having done all the work getting the food and feeding the young, tire out and fall into a resting state where they can still supervise their young and recharge their energy, while the Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) off of Big Island. Spinner dolphin juveniles, on the other hand, get a chance to Photo by: Scott Gregory, Flickr. 14| Seawords
Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) leaps into the air. Photo by: Na Pali Riders, Flickr. play amongst each other.
the Eastern Pacific, spinner dolphins are known to associate with yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), a very According to the ICUN, the total population of spinner desired fish in the market. Without the commercial use dolphins is still to be determined. With that said, there of radar technology, however, many fishermen resorted have been many records of spinner dolphin deaths as to using spinner dolphins to locate yellowfin tuna for a result of bycatch and boating accidents. In oceans in them. Knowing that the spinner dolphins will surround their prey, fishermen herd the dolphins into a tight ball while driving around in speedboats. They then drape a large net over the entire pod, ensnaring both the dolphins and the tuna. This method killed as many as six million spinner dolphins, discarding them back into the ocean. Thanks to the environmental protection agencies, a ban was placed on this highly unsustainable fishing method and fines are distributed out to anyone who fishes/swims within 50 yards of these dolphins. As a result, we have seen a huge decline in dolphin deaths and populations of spinner dolphins are expected to make a comeback.
ns (Stenella longirostris) in Hawaiian waters. Photo by: Caleb Slemmons, Flickr.
Spinner dolphins are not new faces to the nearcoastal areas of Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ahu. Known for their unique acrobatic ability, spinner dolphins catch the eyes of the hundreds of beach tourists every day. As humans on this Earth, it is our responsibility to respect these animals and monitor our impact to their environment so that we may enjoy their company in the future. n MARCH 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;|15
MOP Student Interview Interview with Taylor Williams, UHM MOP Student Staff & NOAA Student Employee By: Taylor Williams, UHM MOP Student Staff & Jenny Johnson, Editor
What is your major and how long have you been associated with MOP? Taylor: I am a Marine Biology Major and have been associated with MOP for the last three and a half years.
What is your internship and current position? Taylor: My current job is working with NOAA’s Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program as a student stranding associate.
Taylor Williams, UHM MOP Student Staff, scuba diving at QUEST. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator. 16| Seawords
Any advice to other MOPers looking to land a dream internship? Taylor: My advice to other MOPers looking to land a dream internship would be to apply to anything that you’re interested in regardless of whether you meet all of the qualifications, and not to give up because the first position you apply to may not be the right position for you. Just don’t stop looking.
Taylor Williams enjoying a hike. Photo by: Jr Cardenas.
What do you do in your current position? Taylor: I am responsible for receiving turtles from HMAR (Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response) after hours and setting up the turtles in the NOAA building. I am also responsible for data entry and some data analysis that occur throughout the day. I also assist in necropsies.
How long have you held this position? Taylor: I have held this position for around six months.
How did you get this position? Taylor: I got this position through the Marine Option Program. I submitted a resume and letter of interest and then there was an interview conducted by Jeff and another student employee.
Any future plans in this career field? Taylor: In the future I am planning to apply for a six month position working with nesting green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in French Frigate Shoals.
Taylor Williams having fun while diving. Photo by: Ashleigh Epps, UHM MOP Student. MARCH 2019 |17
Global Temperat Faster Previously
By: Paula Alcoseba, UH
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new analysis published in the journal Science has found that the oceans are heating up 40% faster on average than a previous assessment made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2013. Before the early 2000s, scientists mainly relied on measurements taken from passing ships. This meant worldwide ocean temperature observations were sparser and scientists had to use statistical methods or models to fill in the gaps. In recent years, scientists deployed a network of 3,900 floats throughout the ocean and used improved models and statistical tools to
analyze previous measurements. Doing accurate reconstructions of ocean warm
“If you want to see where global warm said Zeke Hausfather, a graduate studen at the University of California, Berkele heating is a very important indicator o evidence that it is warming more rapidly
The Coupled Model Intercompar that the temperature of the top 2 rise 0.78 degrees Celsius by the e sion caused by this bump in tem timeters, or around 12 inches, on rise caused by melting glaciers an
Three days after these findings w “A New Increase in Global Wav Warming” was published in the study shows that global wave po year since 1948. Results indicat quence of anthropogenic global climate, making waves stronger.
Researcher from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies surveys bleached corals at Zenith Reef, the Northern section of the Great Barrier Reef. Photo by: ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Flickr. 18| Seawords
Our planet and ocean are warmi pare for the dangerous effects th ricanes, extreme precipitation, s world’s oceans are the brakes whi ic greenhouse gas warming, and greater force and frequency if th are not met.
tures Are Rising r Than y Expected
H Maui MOP Student Bleached bent sea rod coral (Plexaura flexuosa) in the Florida Keys. Photo by: Kelsey Roberts, USGS, Flickr.
this has helped scientists develop more ming over the past century.
ming is happening, look in our oceans,” nt in the Energy and Resources Group ey, and co-author of the paper. “Ocean of climate change, and we have robust ly than we thought.”
rison Project 5 (CMIP5) models predict 2,000 meters of the world’s oceans will end of the century. The thermal expanmperature would raise sea levels 30 cenn top of the already significant sea level nd ice sheets.
were published, a separate study titled ve Power as a Consequence of Oceanic e journal Nature Communications. The ower has increased at a rate of 0.4% per te the upper-ocean warming, a consewarming, is changing the global wave
ing, and coastal communities must prehis brings - stronger storms, waves, hursea level rise and coral bleaching. The ich slow down the effects of atmospherd these catastrophic events will occur in he goals of the Paris Climate Agreement
Acropora millepora each showing a bleaching response off of Orpheus Island in 2017. Photo by: ARC CoE for Coral Reef Studies/ Gergely Torda, Flickr. Last year, was the warmest year on record for the global ocean, and records for ocean warming have been broken almost yearly since 2000. If we want to protect our planet and people from the devastating effects of climate change, we all must do our part and be aware of our individual impacts on the world. Consciously increase your efforts to make the planet a better place and encourage others to do the same. Leading by example and coming together to talk about solutions are some simple ways we can all help our communities. n
MARCH 2019 |19
Shipwreck of the Month: Endurance By: Alyssa Mincer, UHM MOP Student
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rom the initial construction of ships over 3,000 years in the past, the demolition of vessels built for travel in the high seas has been a combination of the inevitable forces of nature, human error and fate. Despite the advancement and modernization of technology that attempts to eliminate or lessen the chance of the aforementioned occurrences, the unfortunate event of a shipwreck is not considered a rarity. In the present day, expeditions are on a constant scout for shipwrecks that have not yet been discovered, a strenuous task that requires the skills of marine archaeologists and scientific research. These expeditions are not limited to a single region of the oceans of the world, ranging from searches in the numbingly chilly waters of the polar seas to the warmer, storm-laden seas of the tropics. Recently, an Antarctic expedition on the vessel, SA Agulhas ll, has set out on a voyage through the Weddell Sea in hopes of unearthing the shipwreck of the Endurance in 1915. Although the research crew has not yet finished their progression towards the site, they remain hopeful in the potential discovery and its subsequent rewards towards history and science. Over one hundred years ago, explorer Ernest Henry Shackleton and his crew were subject to the menacing threats of the ocean, specifically those of the Antarctic Ocean. Crazed with
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The Endurance sinks in 1915. Photo by: National Geographic Society, Wikipedia.
A glimpse of the Endurance. Photo by: Frank Hurley, State Library New South Wales, Wikipedia. the idea of traversing the Antarctic to reach the South Pole, Shackleton set out on a third attempt to achieve his goal on August 1, 1914. After several months the Endurance had faced imprisonment by the thickly growing Antarctic ice, setting up an impassable barrier in a freezing environment. According to an article by Tom Metcalfe, a contributor to science news website, Live Science, “Shackleton and the 27 expedition members then spent several months trekking across the sea ice and floating on ice floes, until they finally escaped in the ship’s lifeboats, which they recovered from the wreck, to Elephant Island, near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.” On a diet consisting of seals, each of the 28 crew members managed to withstand the perilous conditions, keeping the crew fully intact by the time safety and help had arrived.
it, the crew of SA Agulhas ll is undergoing a 75 mile trip towards the site of the shipwreck of the Endurance. If weather conditions remain both calm and suitable, the vessel will continue its journey towards the coordinates of the Endurance. In an article by The Guardian, “should the explorers make it to the last known location of the Endurance, they will send autonomous robotic submarines into the water to scan the seafloor for the sunken ship. Any wreckage will then be inspected with a better-equipped robotic sub, or “remote operated vehicle”, which is tethered to the ship.” Despite the dynamic activity of the Antarctic sea and its surrounding environment, the crew, equipped with a sturdy ship and a resourceful foundation of information regarding the wreck, will continue to pursue the Endurance with hopeful spirits. n
Following the completion of separate research related tasks, including the observation and study of the Larsen C ice shelf located on the Antarctic Peninsula and a massive, trillion-ton iceberg that had fragmented from MARCH 2019 |21
ocean art
Cleaning up After the Storm By: English Professor Eric Paul Shaffer, HCC
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From the beach this morning, the sound of waves breaking on the reef is lost in wind rushing through palm leaves. Beneath cloudless blue, a solid line of litter marks the sand, sticks and bark and leaves and trash left by high tide after last night’s deluge washed the cliffs clean, and to the horizon, the sea is brown with earth. The storm was Biblical, battering the island with crashes and flashes. Rain tore laundry from lines and floated rubber slippers to the beach. Nobody could sleep through the lightning, and thunder rattled the panes in their casings. Dogs quivered beneath the bed. Wind banged doors in their frames so loud I didn’t hear the neighbor knocking, but the candles kept us awake, and I finally saw him dripping on the porch. Today, he went home to inspect his house. His car is suck to the door panels, his living room floor lost beneath muddy water, and his garden is gone. Newly painted kitchen walls are streaked with leaks he never knew before. His power is out. From puddles, I pluck floating clothespins and search for gardening gloves, beach mats, and dog food bowls. He smiles as he splashes to the wall of lava rock between our yards, pointing at the steep cliff behind me, rising hundreds of feet skyward from papaya trees, coconut palms, heliconia, red ginger, and mango. I turn, and he says, “Look at that. Look how green the mountain is.”
The Milky Way behind the mountains of Kaua‘i. Photo by: Marvin’s Imageries, Flickr.
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Plans for seismic drilling blocked by judge due to Trump’s government shutdown By: Georgia Johnson-King, UHM MOP Student
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n January 18, a federal court judge by the name of Richard Gergel ruled that due to the 35 day government shutdown, that at the time was still in progress, the federal government would be unable to process the five year long seismic testing permits for offshore drilling. Ger-
Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Photo by: James Davidson, Flickr. gel’s decision was influenced by the multiple motions that were filed by groups opposing the proposition. Among these groups were NOAA, coastal city groups and business groups.
This decision to halt the processing of the permits comes as a relief for all opposing groups who were set to be significantly impacted. Tourism was a main concern for the business and coastal city groups, as the Trump administration plans to open up offshore drilling all along the eastern seaboard. Seaside businesses of South Carolina and Florida all the way up to Rhode Island and Connecticut are in jeopardy. The conservation groups are fighting the Trump administration to protect the eastern seaboard and the wildlife and creatures that reside there. NOAA issued an incidental harassment authorization against the seismic testing in a bid to protect the marine life affected. The sound that is released to determine the location Congressman-elect Joe Cunningham speaks against seismic airgun exploration of the hydrocarbons is measured for oil and gas in the Atlantic, in Charleston, SC, on December 11, 2019. Photo at 190 decibels, in comparison, a by: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Flickr. jet engine produces 140 decibels of 24| Seawords
signs of getting back on track in early 2019 with the sighting of three right whale calves on January 27. Research scientist at the New England Aquarium, Philip Hamilton, said “it’s not even to the point of guarded optimism…but there’s a spark of hope [for the North Atlantic right whale].” The Trump administration still plans on moving forward with seismic drilling plans despite the effect that the noise will have on the calves and the species. The whales are just one component of a complex ecosystem along the Charleston, SC Mayor, John Tecklenburg, speaks against seismic airgun exploraeastern seaboard; many other anition for oil and gas in the Atlantic. Photo by: The Southern Alliance for Clean mals’ hearing will be affected by the Energy, Flickr. extremely loud, constant noise that the Trump administration is plannoise. Unfortunately for the eastern seaboard ocean resning to allow them to be subjected to. With the governidents, the noise is amplified by 63 times the intensity ment shutdown coming to an end, the plans to open up that it would have above the water. This one sound is offshore drilling again are halted and there is still hope then repeated for weeks on end every 12 to 16 seconds for the marine life that resides on the Eastern Seaboard. to find the oil deposits. n One of the species that conservationists are particularly worried about is the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), which is currently listed as critically endangered and has held this position since a hunting ban was placed on them in 1950. Population levels of the North Atlantic right whale are hovering tentatively at four hundred, with only 100 reproductively mature females. These whales are particularly likely to be affected by the offshore seismic drilling as they make their home in Northern Florida and South Eastern Georgia waters to calve. Up until this year, North Atlantic right whales were not reproducing at a normal rate. With zero births in the 2017-2018 peNorth Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and calf off of Amelia Island, Florida. riod, the population showed Photo by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, taken under NOAA permit 20556-01 MARCH 2019 |25
Actions for the Ocean
GENERATION
BLUE By: Rayna McClintock, UHM MOP Student
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his generation is in a unique position as we have grown up with climate change hanging over our heads. We are the last generation that might be able to make a change for the better. If we do not change our lifestyles then we will watch the environmental crisis continue.
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What you eat The number one thing you can do to support the environment is to change your diet. It can start with small changes like meatless Mondays. According to Professor Tim Benton, a climate expert who studies food systems, “The biggest intervention people could make towards reducing their carbon footprints would not be to abandon cars, but to eat significantly less red meat” (Carrington 2014). Be accountable for the things that you are consuming and if you don’t want to cut them out of your diet, eat local. Cutting out the shipping process and giving your money to companies and businesses that are committed to sustainability can make a huge impact.
Green and blue anemone in the Federated States of Micronesia. Photo by: Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NOAA/NMFS/OPR, Flickr. 26| Seawords
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.
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Plastic Reduction We live in a throw away culture and accept that we will use something like a straw or a wrapper once for about 15 minutes and throw it away never to be used again. The problem is that the wrapper will not just go away. It will most likely degrade to microplastic and remain in our environment. Not only is plastic polluting our oceans and harming our marine animals, it is releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. According to a study done by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, “the most commonly used plastics produce two greenhouse gases, methane and ethylene, when exposed to ambient solar radiation” (Royer). It is not enough to just recycle, we must also refuse, reduce and reuse. Don’t buy single use plastic! Instead, buy a reusable kit with a bag, food container, cup and utensil set. Imagine how much less plastic you will put into the world!
Civic engagement So many people understand the environmental issues oceans are facing but are unsure how to fix them. The answer lies in policy change. Hawai‘i has a uniquely simple system that allows for the user to track bills that they support and even submit testimony. This legislative round there are many bills for better environmental protections but they need everyone’s help to pass. Visit the website below to start tracking legislation and writing testimony. Let your voice be heard. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/home.aspx
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Recreational awareness We all want to enjoy what we love--the ocean. But, every person needs to understand how they affect the ocean. Recreational activities can have an adverse affect on coral. Many people are unaware of what live coral looks like. Coral gets trampled and kicked causing the decline of coral reefs within a close proximity to the shoreline. People also continue the use of sunscreen containing the ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies have shown that these chemicals can be harmful to the reefs and they will be banned from sale starting in 2021 but we should stop using them now. Remember to bring your reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard or a big hat to protect yourself from the sun. Understand how you are contributing to the problem and try to mitigate the effects humans are having on our ocean environment.
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MARCH 2019 Recent Discoveries
✿ MARCH 7
• Mining the deep-sea: treasure versus destruction in pristine ecosystems • Craig Smith
• Oceanography, SOEST • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
✿ MARCH 14
• Double agents: viruses as enemies and allies of the plankton • Grieg Steward
• Oceanography, SOEST • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HANAUMA BAY SEMINARS: Science Talks or Educational Films Thursday evenings at Hanauma Bay
6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Admission FREE Parking FREE after 4 P.M.
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✿ MARCH 21
• Discoveries from the deep: new limu from Hawai‘i’s mesophotic • Alison Sherwood • Botany Department • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
✿ MARCH 28
• Fantastic yeasts and where to find them: fungi in the twilight reefs • Anthony Amend
• Botany Department • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Can’t make it to Hanauma Bay? Watch seminars live on YouTube, at Hanauma Talks Questions? Call #397-5840 or email hbaynews@hawaii.edu
FLASHBACK: 2009 By: Jenny Johnson, Editor
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his month, we travel back to April 2009, when MOP students participated in the annual Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. MOPers set their alarms and got up early to make it to Makapuâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;u lighthouse in time to see the humpbacks (Megaptera novaeangliae). The humpback count helps the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Marine Sanctuary obtain a rough estimate of how humpback populations are doing. For this particular whale count, MOP students only counted three humpbacks, although they had hoped to see more. MOP students still agreed that the count was worth it -- even with cold, windy weather and only three humpbacks making an appearance.
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March
Photo Credit: Mark Sullivan, NOAA Monk Seal Research Program, 2007, Flickr
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Next month: April
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April 6 & 7: MOP Student Symposium April 19: Good Friday April 20: MOP Beach Cleanup April 27: Hike to Ka‘ena Point
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MOP & Community Events
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Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Theater Thursday: Hanauma Bay 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tour of Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center TBA TBA
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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!
