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.

Who cares if it’s almost Tuesday? Today’s MADM urges you to put your favorite ocean champion in the spotlight by nominating him or her for Oceana’s Ocean Heroes Award.

Now through May 8th, you can nominate yourself or someone you know who you think exemplifies an ocean do-gooder, and help Oceana celebrate World Ocean Day (June 8).

Oceana experts will choose the list of finalists for the award, and voters may cast their votes between May 18th and 31st. There is no age limit for nominees.

Oceana will announce the first, second and third-place winners June 8th.

Splash on over to Oceana’s nomination page and put forth your candidate now.

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.