Oceans 4Ever

Hi O4E readers, this is Alexa.

In today’s post, I want to tell you that SHARKS DO NOT HAVE TO BITE.

Yes, they look fierce, with fierce teeth and everything, but, the look isn’t all there is to a shark.

I want to make you aware of our friend David Shiffman’s (of Why Sharks Matter fame)upcoming interview with Discovery Channel Senior Science Editor and Executive Producer Paul Gasek about Disovery’s Shark Week, which features movies on T.V. like “Deadly Waters” and “Shark Bite Summer,” that can make sharks look like scary predators that don’t deserve to be on this planet.

But dude, they’re not always fearsome. Sharks only attack if they feel threatened. Also, shark attacks are actually very RARE. Take the whale shark, for example (the biggest shark in the world). It’s actually a gentle giant that eats only plankton, krill and small fish.

If you’re concerned about the bad rap sharks are getting, too, please visit Southern Fried Science and check out David’s call for questions post and submit your own question or questions for the Discovery Channel. David may ask your question in his interview and post the answer he receives.

Remember, sharks are important to this earth, too.

They’re not freaky, they’re graceful, almost mesmerizing to watch glide through the water.

They look old and wise.

And patient, like seasoned survivors.

But time may be running out for sea turtles.

O4E wants you to consider getting behind sea turtles and their future on earth. Who wants the world’s oldest surviving creature to die off by human hands?

We recently spent some time watching, and waiting, at the Tennessee Aquarium. Just a glimpse was all we wanted.

Watch how Stewie rewarded our patience, and catch our message.

Already know all about sea turtles, you say?

Then put it to the test and take eleven year-old Casey Sokolovic’s sea turtle quiz. Hint: save your answers, because there may be a CONTEST coming on…and OK, maybe we helped you out on one of the answers.

The LAST (Love A Sea Turtle) Quiz
1. What is the biggest threat for sea turtles?

A. Jellyfish
B. Humans
C. Fish

2.Out of the seven species of sea turtles, how
many are found along the East Coast/Atlantic Ocean?

A. 3
B. 4
C. 5

3.What is the largest type of sea turtle?

A. Leatherback
B. Loggerhead
C. Hawksbill

4. How long can sea turtles live?

A. 35-40 years
B. 65-70+ years
C. 10-15 years

5. Where do sea turtles lay their eggs?

A. In the sand
B. In the ocean
C. In an egg sack

It’s OK if you were nervous, we were, too.

Coming up: ways to learn about, and ways to help sea turtles – “on location” in their habitat, and from your own home.

Happy Earth Day, everyone!

Since we’ve opened the week by talking about ocean threats as part of Earth Week on O4E, we’d like to add another to the pile. This may seem needlessly depressing, but we’re doing so because anyone can help the problem of ocean, or marine debris, as it’s also called, by being mindful every day in very simple ways.

We think everyone should do it.

Hey, it’s a start. So let’s get started!

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put together this brief video as an overview of marine debris. Look for the mention of a popular sea creature who’s being directly affected by debris, one who you’ll see a lot more of this week on O4E.

Let’s Get Kids Involved

Kids can help, too!

Teachers and parents, get started teaching kids about this problem by downloading the NOAA’s marine debris program’s activity book, which is available in both a printable and screen-only version.

You can also download a basic marine debris facts sheet, a land-based debris sources fact sheet a fishing and a boating fact sheet, along with many more resources on the marine debris site (linked above).

Let’s go right now!!

Tell us how you are making a difference for ocean health this Earth Day by leaving a comment on this post.