The Solution to Pollution is No Longer Dilution

If you are reading this post on my blog, it is most likely that you have heard this notion before. Yet, however succinct and harmonized the phrase may be, it means nothing if one cannot truly internalize and learn from it.

I just finished watching a TEDtalk given by Kristina Gjerde where she lectures about 'Making Law on the High Seas." She discussed the long-standing issues of the Tragedy of the Commons, which was famously brought to attention by ecologist Garrett Harden in 1968. The oceans are considered the most prominent commons and, for centuries, humans have ravished the sea's natural resources with no immediately visible consequences.

Well... we definitely cannot hide behind ignorance any longer...

Though Gjerde eloquently incorporates the titled phrase into her speech, the concept of diluted pollution as NOT being a resolution has graced my mind before. The first time I came across this soundbite, was in a taxonomic seaweeds textbook written in the early 1960s. The full phrase from the textbook reads as follows, "The solution to pollution is no longer dilution, for the oceans are not infinite."

Yes, the 1960s... And I'm nearly positive that this was not the first time the slogan was vocalized nor published.

Next week is the beginning of the year 2014. Depending on the exact date of the publication (which escapes me at the moment), it is approximately forty or fifty-something years since the phrase became common among the scientific community. Then why in 2010, is Kristina still having difficulty discussing the options for regulating unlawful discharge and waste into the high seas?! (Let alone regulate commercial fishing issues...)

It remains a GREAT tragedy that humans have not managed to develop a more moral connection with the ocean: the provider for all life on Earth. Yes, we produce a heck of a lot of waste. Reduce is the first 'R' for a reason... yet I truly do believe that the elephant in the room of the pollution dilemma, where international environmental lawyers sit, is that the ocean commons will remain a tragedy until there is a global shift in the way humans interact with the world.

The majority of the TEDtalk revolves around law and developing bureaucratic partnerships to oversee the "64% of ocean beyond national jurisdiction." However, Gjerde does stress the importance of establishing laws in "an arena of global norms of precaution and respect."

Ohhhhh, Respect. Perhaps that should be added to the three 'R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Personally, I would prefer that it be placed at the beginning. Or maybe we could add an 'A' for Appreciation. Then we could adopt the acronym ARRR!

Before I go slightly insane trying convey my deeply rooted frustration with humanity, let me end with this...

In forty years we have made leaping strides in environmental conservation and preservation. If you ever open a book on environmental policy you will be bombarded with legal terms and acronyms that we have already adopted: CWA, ESA, CAA, CZMA, MPRSA. If you are not familiar with these Acts then please do look them up! The underlying issue, however, is that humans still view the world and the oceans as a means to suit their personal needs and as something that we must 'conquer.' What I propose is that the only thing worth 'conquering' is the idea that humans can regulate pollution bureaucratically. Morality is a concept that cannot be set into law, people cannot be forced into a loving and appreciatively sustainable relationship with the oceans... it must be learned through education and personal experience.

Go DO SOMETHING to try to educate yourself and to improve your personal bond with the Earth and it's vital resources. Try to stimulate your senses into a passionate furry that can meet the wall of ambivalence built up by generations of tragic human-ocean relationships. Make choices that promote a future healthy connection and respect for oceanic resources; "...the ocean is NOT infinite." We've very clearly known that for half a century!

Thank you everyone,

Hillary


p.s. If you would like to watch the TEDtalk...

http://www.ted.com/talks/kristina_gjerde_making_law_on_the_high_seas.html

Dying Sea Stars and Climate Change?

Towards the end of this summer and into the fall, there were countless news articles published about the mysterious starfish (more accurately referred to as a sea star) die-offs on both the Western and Eastern coasts of the United States. Scientists are baffled by this strange phenomenon in which the sea stars seem to rapidly decay due to an unknown disease. Such tissue necrosis has become known as 'starfish wasting syndrome,' and it is unclear if it is caused by a bacterium, virus, or another type of infectious organism. The main point here is that although such disease has been documented over the past decade, the number and range of affected starfish populations has grown dramatically in 2013.

Why? This is exactly what marine biologists are hoping to figure out...

There have been a number of historical sea star disease outbreaks in American coastal waters, and it is clearly documented that the spreading and intensity of disease is exasperated by warmer water temperatures. You should all now be thinking two words..."climate change." Though there is not enough evidence to attribute the die-offs solely to climate changes, it is definitely plausible that increased coastal sea surface temperatures could have a strong connection to the mass starfish wasting syndrome observed this summer. 

The Ocean Portal has posted an interview with Dr. Chris Mah from the Smithsonian Institute in which a series of questions are briefly answered regarding the sea star disease. There are also links on this webpage that will lead you to further information about the distribution of disease in American waters and how to identify infected organisms. http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/sickly-starfish-qa-dr-chris-mah

Keep yourself updated on marine science in the news! Knowledge is power, and we need some powerful changes in the way humans interact with the oceans :)

Progress and setbacks, the jagged path of an avid environmentalist...

In 2012, grassroots protests and political upheaval led the Costa Rican government to pass a ban on the shark finning practice and the transportation of shark fins. This new law was signed into effect by President Laura Chinchilla and aimed to 'close the loopholes' of the existing legislation. In 2001, Costa Rica had banned shark finning, but did not place any regulations on shark fin trade (meaning that it was practically impossible to regulate the illegal fishing practices). Costa Rican waters are home to a diverse array of sharks and are well known for massive schools of hammerheads! Longline fishing and the highly-wasteful practice of shark finning, however, have decimated these populations. This is largely in part to the global demand for shark fins due to the increasing popularity of shark fin soup in Asian cultures.

Merely a year later, Costa Rican fisherman have developed new fishing tactics to circumvent the law and to 'legally' continue the shark finning practice.

Please read this article to see what I mean!

http://news.mongabay.com/2013/1110-shark-fin-technique.html#BLF2o0F4LJiFghvr.01

Shark fins remain attached to the spinal chord of the body by thin strips of cartilage. Because of poor wording in the new 2012 legislation, this practice is in fact legal in Costa Rica. 

This video demonstrates the practice of shark finning... It is a bit gruesome to watch.

Today, there has been a great effort to reduce the demand for shark fins through science, education, and environmental activism. I personally feel like we have made giant strides into ocean conservation! Waves of activism continue to shake things up on the shark front and I actually do foresee a positive future on the horizon. We just have to keep up the good work. Education precedes consciousness, and consciousness is the primary ingredient in making environmentally favorable lifestyle choices. When the demand for fins decreases, the killing will also stop.

Here is a list of organisations who actively campaign against shark finning and promote shark conservation through awareness and education. Please get involved in any way you can!

Shark Angels - http://sharkangels.org/
Shark Savers - https://www.sharksavers.org/en/home/
Stop Shark Finning - http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - http://www.seashepherd.org/sharks/
Divers: Act Now! - http://www.divers-act-now.com/
Costa Rica's own Mission Tiburon - http://misiontiburon.org/en
Friends of Sharks - http://friendsofsharks.com/
Bite-Back Shark and Marine Conservation - http://www.bite-back.com/

And this is just the short list! There are many other non-profits that are devoted to shark research and conservation. There are also hundreds of organizations dedicated to ocean health and preservation in general.

Although shark finning is illegal in the United States, shark fins are imported and traded within the country to support the domestic fin soup demand. Check to see what your state regulations are and maybe you can pioneer a local change in the trade of fins in your area. Maybe you can convince local restaurants to remove shark fin from their menus. All of the aforementioned organizations provide ample educational material to help you become a shark conservationist. Be aware, be active, and share your love for the ocean!

Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Sanctuaries!

NOAA's National Ocean Service defines a marine protected area (MPA) as an area of the ocean or Great Lakes that is protected for the purpose of conservation. Though there are varying levels of protection, the greater levels establish 'no-take' areas where it is illegal to fish, or to remove anything from the site. Such stringent regulations are to ensure that the delicate habitat is not disrupted by humans and, today, only apply in about 1% of United States waters. The highest level of protection of a MPA are the 'no-access' sites. With the exception of some research scientists, all human activity is restricted from these areas.

The purpose of MPAs is quite simple: to preserve a natural habitat by preventing detrimental human interactions. Areas selected for protection have been deemed 'critical' and are often breeding grounds or juvenile nurseries for at-risk marine species. Many MPAs are likely home to endangered endemic (only found in a certain area) species. MPAs under less strict regulations are to preserve unique landscapes, historical shipwrecks, and areas important to commercial fisheries (which are heavily regulated in such areas).

Official MPAs often overlap with the designation of a National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuaries serve the same purpose of conservation, yet actively encourage eco-tourism and scientific research.

Map of National Marine Sanctuaries of the United States

If you follow this link... http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/photos/us-marine-protected-areas/#/red-coral-georgia-mpa_17663_600x450.jpg ... you will be brought to the National Geographic webpage that has a plethora of amazing underwater photographs taken from MPA's in the US.

Don't you just LOVE NatGeo?!!!!

Check this out too! http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/

I have had several opportunities to SCUBA dive in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary... and, words can not even describe how beautiful the area is. There are pristine coral reef systems for miles of amazing diving! Not to mention the crazy array of shipwrecks, many of which were purposely sunk to serve as both artificial reef habitat and recreation for divers.

Everyone benefits form Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Sanctuaries!

Awesome photo of me diving a wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary!

Ecologically Responsible Aquaculture: the Ocean's Savior

We've all heard it before, "Don't buy farm-raised fish. It's all bad for you and pollutes the environment."

To me, this blanket statement says that, although one may have good intentions regarding personal and ecological health, that he or she is ignorant towards the real role of aquaculture in the world today. While yes....choosing sustainable wild-caught seafood at the supermarket is a very good way to help protect certain species from overfishing; aquaculture has become pertinent in the world seafood trade, supplementary to the wild fishing industry. 

The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service recently came out with a list of 10 common misconceptions about marine aquaculture.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/aquaculture/homepage_stories/10myths.html.

Here I have copied and pasted the "10 Myths about Aquaculture" from the NOAA website and added some of my own two cents beneath each number (in black text).

The U.S. doesn’t need aquaculture.

"There are so many compelling reasons to develop domestic sources of farmed seafood. For one, it’s the best thing we can do to minimize our environmental seafood-related footprint. Second, it could guarantee a safe supply of healthy seafood for decades to come. Finally, domestic aquaculture creates jobs at home and supports vibrant coastal communities and working waterfronts. The U.S. currently imports 91 percent of its seafood, half of which comes from aquaculture. Were we to eliminate aquaculture from the seafood equation, global fisheries could not make up for current demand, let alone future needs."

I have to laugh when I hear people boasting about only buying 'wild-caught' salmon. They have no idea that the majority of 'wild-caught' Pacific and Alaskan salmon are actually reared and raised to the 'fry' stage in aquaculture hatcheries. Hence the 'wild-caught' label. The fishing pressures and demand for salmon are so great that it has become a standard practice to culture and release fish into the wild to grow to maturity. This practice has considerably helped stabilize populations and is the primary reason why Pacific salmon stocks are not severely depleted. 

Aquaculture uses more wild fish than it produces.

"Globally, aquaculture uses less – about half a metric ton of wild whole fish goes into one metric ton of farmed seafood. Fishmeal and fish oil use in aquaculture is falling as researchers find other sources (such as algae and fish trimmings) that provide the same 40 essential nutrients needed by all animals including vitamins, dietary minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. All farm animals need to be fed, but farmed fish are many times more efficient at converting feed into meat than other farmed animals such as cows and pigs."

During my short time at the University of Connecticut, I crossed paths with several professors and graduate students that were actively researching alternatives to traditional fishmeal used in aquaculture. I had the chance to chat with one PhD candidate that was researching the use of insects as fish feed to reduce the pressures of harvesting small Clupeiform fishes (anchovy, herring, sardines, shad, etc.) to feed the aquaculture industry. 

Farmed fish isn’t safe to eat.

"Farmed seafood is both safe and healthy to eat – studies have shown this time and time again. Both the diets and environments of farmed seafood are monitored throughout the life of the animal. Because of their controlled diet, the heart-healthy long chain omega-three fatty acids and other nutrients in farmed seafood have levels similar to wild. In the U.S., seafood farmers follow the same food safety guidelines as other seafood producers and land farmers, as well as undergo regular inspections. Safety-related regulations address siting, what the animals are fed, and processing, to name just a few."

The FDA continues to update their seafood health "Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards and Controls Guide." Additionally, seafood farmers are subject to intense inspections by various government agencies (FDA, EPA, USDA, and NOAA) to ensure product quality and processing methods. Most farmed fish is very good for you! There have been past studies that showed that farmed fish did not possess the same levels of nutrients as wild-caught fish, but due to aquaculture research and development, this is generally not the case. 

"Modern technologies, Best Management Practices, and strong regulation and monitoring have led to significantly improved sustainability in aquaculture."

Farmed fish are contaminated.

"No farmed fish are on any “avoid” list due to mercury or other pollutants. These harmful compounds enter and concentrate in organisms largely through what they eat. The FDA and state Departments of Agriculture conduct inspections as well as collect and analyze feed and fish samples to ensure that feeds and the fish that consume them meet strict requirements. Formulated feed ingredients used in aquaculture are regularly monitored to avoid possible contamination."

I personally feel that it is ludicrous how people actively avoid farm-raised fish because they believe it is somehow more contaminated than wild fish. Yes, there are various approved medicines and chemicals that are used in fish farms to prevent disease and parasites. The key thing to note, however, is that these products have all been extensively researched and approved because they have no effect on humans when used in the farming process. Most farmed fish are grown in a controlled environment....there is absolutely nothing controlled about eating fish contaminated with bio-accumulated mercury or PCBs (i.e. any large pelagic fish such as tuna, shark, swordfish, and even salmon). Humans continually dump hazardous chemicals and pollutants into the oceans and then turn around and use it as one of our main food sources! Excuse my foul analogy, but seems to me like defecating where you eat. Be mindful that the farm-raised fish, is almost certainly less 'contaminated' than wild fish sold at the supermarket. 

Farmed salmon is full of harmful “color-added” dyes.

"You’ve seen it at the fish market: farmed salmon with ‘color-added.’ The pigment that gives all salmon their distinctive coloration isn’t harmful at all—in fact, it’s available in concentrated form as diet supplements at your local health food store. In the wild, salmon eat krill and other tiny shellfish that contain natural pigments called carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants and precursors of vitamin A. Carotenoids give salmon flesh its distinctive pigment (although the color varies by species). Farmed salmon are supplemented with carotenoids that are identical to the pigment that salmon consume in the wild. Both natural and synthetic carotenoids are processed and absorbed by wild and farmed fish in exactly the same manner."

Farmed fish are full of harmful antibiotics.

"Antibiotic use in aquaculture has all but disappeared in the U.S., due to better husbandry and vaccines that have been developed for the major bacterial diseases. While good management practices and vaccines alone are usually enough to prevent or control disease, a farmer may, in consultation with a licensed veterinarian, use a limited number of aquatic animal drugs including antibiotics, in the case where they have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific conditions. The use of antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes in aquaculture is prohibited by law."

Nothing really to add here, I think NOAA did a splendid job of clarifying these issues!

Fish waste from netpen aquaculture harms the ecosystem.

"Nutrient discharge from fish farming operations is organic and comes from two sources – uneaten feed and fish poop! Both of these are biodegradable and readily used by most aquatic ecosystems. In the U.S., decades of experience have led to net-pen aquaculture in balance with the ecosystem. This comes from effective management plans, proper siting, and regulatory regimes that ensure minimum impacts to the environment."

There are definitely cases where aquaculture and pens have degraded water quality by adding excessive nutrients into the water column. However, research in 'Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture' has revolutionized the farming industry and allows for the excess nutrients dispelled from finfish to be taken up and used by bivalve or seaweeds that are also grown for human consumption! Check it out: http://www.cimtan.ca/about_us and here!!! 

Aquaculture causes diseases in wild fish.

"Disease transfer in shellfish has virtually never happened and it is extremely rare with fishfish. Pathogens are a fact of life with all forms of animal production, but their presence does not normally cause disease. The environment and host have to be in a distressed state for disease to take hold. In the wild, disease is often controlled by predators picking off the sick individuals of the population, movement to better conditions, and other ecological interactions. On farms, disease is kept at bay by vaccination, good nutrition, using disease-free fingerlings, biosecurity, and husbandry practices that minimize stress in farmed fish. The use of theraputants is a last resort."

Farmed salmon are full of sea lice.

"The parasite of greatest concern to salmon farmers is sea lice. Historically, sea lice occasionally have been a problem for farmed salmon in the State of Maine – where they exist naturally in the wild. In contrast, sea lice are not a problem for Washington State, where the water is less saline. Maine has made great strides in minimizing the incidence of sea lice by adopting an integrated pest management strategy similar to that used by organic farmers. This strategy includes reducing stocking density, bay-wide coordination among farms, early and coordinated treatments, and letting sites lie fallow between harvests."

Farmed fish and shellfish doesn’t taste as good.

"Taste is a matter of personal preference. In 2011, people in the U.S. ate over one billion pounds of shrimp and the majority of that is farmed – people must like it! In a recent survey , farmed salmon was preferred over wild salmon by Washington, DC area chefs. Most wild and farmed salmon are different species so you would expect them to taste different just as turkey does not taste like chicken. Some people prefer the fishier taste of wild salmon and many prefer the milder taste of farmed. Luckily, both are very good for you!"

"Aquaculture also is a tool for restoration. The white abalone was the first marine invertebrate to be listed as endangered and to receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act"

Aquaculture is continuing to evolve! With the growing human population, aquaculture may be one of the only ways to supply the seafood demand while ensuring that natural populations are not fished to extinction. 'Farm raised' is not always bad! Ecologically responsible aquaculture facilities operate with great concern for the environment and under strict fish-farming quality standards. Please make informed decisions on which choices of fish you buy at the supermarket! It really does matter :)

Marine Debris and Ghost Nets Plague the Oceans

When was the last time that you walked along the beach? Try to picture it. The salty aroma and humid air filling your lungs as you gape out at the endless sparkling waves that stretch to the horizon. It's a beautiful sight that pleasantly humbles you. 

Now, to shatter that wonderful memory.... when was the last time you went to the beach and didn't see a single piece of trash gracing the shore or caught up in the wrack lines? My guess is never (unless you happen to be nearly a century old). 

There is nothing that ruins such a picturesque scene like plastic bags lapping in the waves and seagulls picking at tattered beer cans. 

With our explosive population, human waste has quickly become a monstrous dilemma. Improperly discarded plastics and other debris continue to find their way to the oceans. Processed materials do no readily biodegrade and are plaguing the fragile ecosystems of the world. Evidence of human disturbance (TRASH!) ends up biting us back when a day at the beach becomes a depressing reminder that the 'pristine' sea is actually NOT 'pristine' at all. 

Surfer in Indonesia takes a photo of himself to demonstrate the sheer quantity of human trash in the water by his home.

The deleterious effects of such marine debris on wildlife are endless. That plastic cup that missed the garbage can when you tossed it will persist in the environment (most likely ending up in the ocean) for hundreds of years. Is that what you want to leave as your personal legacy? A pile plastic for turtles and birds to snack on long after your time on Earth has ended? Didn't think so.

Next time you are at the beach, pick up some trash instead of staring at it! Every individual bottle does count! If one million people (out of the billions on Earth) picked up ten pieces of trash from the ocean or beaches in a year (you could easily do this in a single trip to the shore)....that is a potential 1-billion pieces of garbage removed from the ocean in a hundred years. I can't even fathom what 1-billion pieces of trash looks like, but I trust that the world would be a significantly cleaner place. Seriously, do it. You do matter!

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The article that prompted this rant on marine debris focused on a specific form of human disturbance: the ghost net. Derelict fishing gear and trawl nets accidentally lost to the seas do not cease to 'catch.' I'm not going to completely reiterate the article, but you should definitely watch this video or read about it yourself! 

http://earthfix.kcts9.org/water/article/zombie-fishing-nets-being-vanquished-in-puget-soun/

To end on a positive note, check out the NOAA Marine Debris team. The team members are dedicated to removing harmful trash and ghost nets from the oceans and need your help!

Government funding is available :)

http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/funding/welcome.html

"For whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea." - e.e. cummings

Giant Oarfish in California!

This is so cool!

Newspapers exploded a few weeks ago when two giant 'sea serpents' washed up on the California shoreline. An eighteen-foot long oarfish was recovered from the water near Santa Catalina Island on October 13th, followed by yet another fourteen-footer just fifty miles away.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/science/earth/oarfish-offer-chance-to-study-an-elusive-animal-long-thought-a-monster.html?_r=0

The oarfish, Regalecus russelii, is a deep-sea dwelling creature that predominately inhabits the waters in the Western Pacific Ocean. Known to live in depths as great as 1,000ft. below the surface, oarfish are incredibly adapted to life at extreme pressures and darkness. However, some scientists believe that they spend much time at the surface as well. 

Because so little is known about the species life cycle, populations, and overall ecological role, the two astounding specimens prompted a frenzied marine biologist field day. In a podcast released by NOAA, you can listen to scientists discuss current research topics revolving around the elusive oarfish. 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/podcasts/2013/10/oarfish.html#.UnagLXazKpi

Most marine biologists will say that ancient tales of sea serpents have stemmed from oarfish sightings. (I can see why!) Oarfish have only been observed in the wild a handful of times, so the fact that two of these creatures were found dead within the same week suggests that there is something 'fishy' going on in the waters off California. Researchers hope to shed new light on the cause of death and reproductive mechanisms of the species. Further studies may reveal chemical or physical changes in the underwater world that we still know so little about.

Cheers for science!

SCUBAPRO Waterman Scholarship winning video!

I know that the SCUBAPRO scholarship came through for me a few months ago, but I wanted to put a link to the Waterman webpage and post the video on here in hope of inspiring others to get more actively involved in ocean conservation and scuba diving!!!

http://www.scubapro.com/en-US/USA/waterman-winner.aspx

Enjoy :)

Is it acceptable to keep wild animals in captivity?

While perusing Facebook, I came across this trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G93beiYiE74. 

The documentary aims to raise awareness of the problems with captive orcas, specifically at Sea World. I have yet to see the full film, but I can already see that it is slightly biased. Just to offer an alternate view, here were my thoughts that I posted on my own facebook in hopes of sparking some sort of a debate....

"I'll be interested to see if they mention any benefits of having animals in captivity... I do agree that training massive wild animals to perform tricks for human enjoyment is repulsive. However, aquariums allow scientists to conduct research that could never be feasible in the wild. Studies have proven extremely beneficial in the understanding and conservation of the species as a whole. From a summer of working at Mystic Aquarium, I've come to realize the superb level of care these animals are provided, but stricken from their natural habitat, there are definitive difficulties with keeping animals healthy in a confined environment. 

Captive orcas, along with zoos and aquariums in general, serve as a portal to connect humans with the natural world without direct disruptions to fragile and remote ecosystems. I can still remember the sense of awe and new found appreciation that filled my little five-year-old soul on my first visit to an aquarium....that instilled curiosity and respect has since directed my entire life as an environmental steward. In a world with an increasing detachment from nature, is it acceptable to keep animals in captivity? I don't know."

Swim for the Sharks!!!

Sharkfest 2013 in Newport Rhode Island!

On a chilly autumn morning, open water swimmers gathered to partake in the first annual Newport Harbor Sharkfest Swim. Though the swim itself is more competition oriented, I decided to use the event as an opportunity to raise awareness and funding for shark conservation.

To do so, I teamed up with an outstanding nonprofit called Shark Savers. Although the 2013 swim is over, my webpage is still actively aiding sharks! http://sharksavers.donorpages.com/Supporter/HillaryKenyon/

"...Shark populations are severely depleted throughout the world due to overfishing, mostly to meet the demand for shark fins. Some species have seen over 90% world wide reductions. Shark Savers raises awareness of these issues through education and media campaigns..." 

Thank you to everyone who supported me! Here are some photos from the race :)

Race start. Proud to be one of the four women not racing in a wetsuit!

Not much competition in my age group haha, but I still got seventh for women overall!

Wahoo! Finishing time of 21:19!

My first experience on a shark cage diving charter.

Cage diving with sharks.

For some, throwing fish guts into the ocean to attract sharks and then jumping into a cage to watch the animals swim by does not sound like an ideal vacation. Cold water, smelly fish, and really really deep open water with the world's most notorious predators...

Others, like myself, wouldn't think twice about it. A chance to see prehistoric and beautiful predators of the sea? This is going to be the best day ever!

Instead of dwelling on the cold water part, my head was filled with, "I really hope we get to see some!...Would it be safe to swim outside the cage with them?....I wonder how big they are going to be....or what species will show up?...What's my mom going to think?...Nahh, she knows me, she'll be excited for me."

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Off the coast of Rhode Island, there are a number of shark species that inhabit the deep ocean waters. Most commonly seen are blue and mako sharks, but there are also porbeagle, thresher, basking, hammerhead and the highly transient great white sharks. With over four-hundred and fifty species of sharks worldwide, there are also many others resident to the Northeastern United States. These seven species tend to get more attention simply due to their impressive stature.

Take a look!
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/bios/blue-shark.htm
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/bios/shortfin-mako-shark.htm\
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/about-this-show/porbeagle-shark.htm
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/bios/thresher-shark.htm

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After months of anticipation, it was finally the day of the big trip! A 4:00am wake-up proved not as difficult as one would expect, most likely because I was so excited :)

I arrived to the docks at 6:00am and was greeted by a bustling array of fishermen and tourists alike. Eagerly awaiting a day a sea, I took the time to soak in the marvelous sunrise that cast a sparkling pink glow on the marina.

The others quickly arrived and at about 6:45am we were on our way out of the harbor headed for 35 miles offshore. A few brief introductions later, a group on the charter identified themselves as "seasoned Rhode Island shark divers." One of the guys on board mentioned that he had been coming out every summer to see blue and mako sharks since 1995. (Awesome!)

They spoke about how magical an experience shark diving truly was and encouraged me to venture from the cage to encounter the sharks without a barrier. "Yea, they will definitely approach you and may bump you or try to bite your camera, but for the most part they are just curious. Just be careful and never forget that you are dealing with wild animals. You'll learn how to 'read' each individual shark."

Excellent. This was EXACTLY what I was hoping for.

Once we reached 35 miles out, we began chumming. I suppose I have mixed reviews about using dead fish guts to attract sharks for our own amusement, but in this case, I definitely support the tourism aspect. Allowing people to observe the animals in the wild instills a sense of awe and appreciation for the creatures. The way I see it, organized shark diving indirectly spreads awareness of shark conservation and can dispel the menacing myths that plague many large pelagic species.

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And so the underwater snowstorm of bluefish chunks began...

Soon after, a few of the men helped the captain put the tethered shark cage and swim platform into the water. The swim platform allowed snorkelers and free divers to choose to lay on the styrofoam-floated aluminum if they wanted to get some time in the water with sharks without being directly exposed.

I scurried to suit up in my new SCUBAPRO wetsuit and snorkel gear (thanks SCUBAPRO!!!) and got ready to hop off the back of the boat. I had decided to take the other divers advice and go cage free...

No sharks had been sighted yet, but there was definitely a little apprehension in my entry. At this point there was no one else in the water and, to even the most vibrant ocean-lover like myself, the 300-ft deep blue abyss seemed a tad daunting.

Welcomed by the white chunks of fish floating about, I carefully finned away from the boat and out to the swim platform. Looking down, there was nothing in sight. It is always a humbling experience to swim in deep water, where outside of your visibility lies the rest of the ocean world...The undersea world that you have just willingly, adventurously, yet vulnerably entered.

My view looking down...

I climbed aboard the swim platform and maneuvered myself so I could place my face back in the water to look for sharks. Because of the imperfect sea conditions, I ended up being the only one in the water for quite some time. The slight rain and four-foot swell seemed enough deter many customers from the water when we had not yet seen any sharks. After an hour or so, one gentleman joined me and we continued to look for sharks for nearly four hours!

Now, I know that this is not a guaranteed thing, and that sharks migrate in such a way that there may not have been any sharks in the immediate area. But with the bionic sensory organs with which these animals are equipped, I found it strange that not a single shark had come to investigate our offerings.

After nearly seven hours at sea, a lone hammerhead shark approached. Slowly cruising by the boat, it unfortunately did not come close enough for any photos. Though still an amazing experience, I felt at loss that I would be ending the day without the magical shark encounter experience that was raved about. Additionally, no other types of pelagic fish ever found our bait that day.

It left me wondering. Why?

Yes, there is no way to tell that there weren't sharks in the area that just did not come close enough for us to see. And yes, I am aware that sometimes 'the fish just aren't biting.' The Captain assured us that there had been plenty of curious sharks all summer and that we just happened to have an unlucky day, but I am still contemplating whether or not over-fishing has something to do with the scarcity of life that we had observed.

Upon pulling into the harbor later that evening, there was a group crowded around a couple of young fisherman. They were carrying the head of a 400lb. mako shark and parading it around like a trophy. Divvying up the meat to everyone who had been on the deep-sea fishing charter that day, I could not block the thought that they had killed the shark I was supposed to see. It was a selfish thought indeed, but I couldn't shake it.

I know that it is only one shark, and that there is nothing inherently wrong with killing and eating it. People do it all the time. In fact, I've actually unknowingly eaten shark before and thought it was quite tasty. But my mind drifted back to the recent news articles about the Martha's Vineyard shark fishing tournament less than two weeks prior. One of the few Northeast tournaments that are not 'catch-and-release.'

http://sharkyear.com/2013/oak-bluffs-monster-shark-tournament-2013.html
http://www.mvtimes.com/2013/07/21/beginners-luck-harwich-boat-monster-shark-tournament-16553/

Look at those 2013 results. Those twelve 'monster' sharks are no longer in the Massachusetts/ Rhode Island waters. Instead, they were strung up by their tails as a crowd of thousands gawked at the ferocious and bloody mess spilled on the docks. On this list were five porbeagle sharks!

http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/fact-sheets/cites-2013-porbeagle-shark-85899426386

If you recall, I had previously blogged about CITES (the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species). Porbeagle sharks had been added to the restricted trade list just months before! They are considered globally Threatened and locally Endangered in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean.

I'm going to repeat..."Endangered in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean!" (aka in New England waters)...

Then why is it legal for porbeagle sharks to be slaughtered for sport in Massachusetts?

....Because a fishing tournament does not intend to 'trade' this fish. But still, the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission is supposed to have banned the targeting and retention of this species. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the porbeagle was deemed a "Species of Concern" back in the year 2006.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/species/porbeagleshark_detailed.pdf

If anyone can find even a hint of sense in a shark tournament specifically 'targeting' and killing porbeagles in Massachusetts waters, please let me know because I sit here dumbfounded.

Sponsors of the event, the Boston Big Game Fishing Club states on their website that, "Those of us who are directly involved in shark fishing are the ones that are truly concerned about maintaining and rebuilding the shark fishery stocks!"

How can this be true given the rules and scoring of the Martha's Vineyard tournament? Wouldn't it be in the club's best interested to support a catch and release tournament instead?

While it is true that the impact of recreational sport fishing has a severely lessened impact on global shark populations that that of the commercial trade, there is still an impact. If any species population has been pushed to the brink of extinction, then why should people continue to tip it over the edge?

For clarification, I am by no means accusing sport fishing as the cause of dwindling shark populations. I actually enjoy fishing. Catching your own seafood is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to live because you are not supporting the massive industry responsible for depleting worldwide fish stocks. We all should know that it is commercial fishing and non-selective longlining that is really the problem here. BUT nevertheless, I am merely using the Martha's Vineyard tournament as an example. It is an easy change to switch to catch and release tournaments, and it is one that would make a huge difference for extremely vulnerable shark populations.

- - - - - - - - - -

To go back to my day, face in the water, looking for sharks...I wonder if I might have had the chance to see any of these animals that were killed by either sport or commercial fishermen over the past month. Where would they have been now? Maybe next time out I'll actually get the chance to see one, but for now, I am absolutely certain that these pelagic 'monsters' are in peril. Worldwide. When is the shift in mindset going to occur? When will people actually start to appreciate the beauty of nature and only take what they need to survive? Contrary to popular belief, the world is not ours. Sharks are here; we are here. Diminishing unnecessary by-catch and sustainable fishing practices may keep it that way, but only when people realize that preservation is not about protecting our oceans. It is about protecting the ocean, so that we may continue to utilize its resources to sustain our own population.

E.O. Wilson famously wrote, "We're not just afraid of predators. We're transfixed by them, prone to weave stories and fable and chatter endlessly about them, because fascination creates preparedness, and preparedness, survival. In a deeply tribal sense, we love our monsters."

Yes, I do love sharks. And yes, I do fear them sometimes. But overall, I have respect for them, and a strong desire to keep them here on Earth. Come on guys, we do love our monsters...It's time for some changes.

Beneath the Sea Conference!

A complete and total whirlwind,

Childhood dreams flowering into reality,

...in all honesty, I have no idea how to describe my experiences at my very first Beneath the Sea Show.

The Beneath the Sea conference is a weekend where people who live and breath all things salt water can get together annually and share life passions about marine science. It is a place where SCUBA divers and explorers can get together and geek out about their favorite past time: being in, under, on, or near the ocean.



This post is a bit overdue, but I wanted to wait until some of the pictures from this year were uploaded to the show's website.

I first heard about the Beneath the Sea show through my dive safety officer at UCONN. A diving conference..."yea okay, sounds pretty cool, but not sure it's going to be worth the expenses. I've been to fisheries and wetlands conferences before, this show will probably be pretty similar, right?"

Wrong.

It wasn't until I explored the webpage that I realized just how amazing this conference was going to be!

Key speakers - Stan Waterman, Valerie Taylor, Jean-Micheal Cousteau?! Howard and Michelle Hall, Jon Bird? The list for 2013 speakers was enormous and nearly every one of my childhood heroes was scheduled to attend! The explorers and scientists that I have been reading about all my life, the pioneers of shark diving, the worlds best cave divers, technical diving geniuses, film-makers featured on NatGeo and Discovery Channel?!

I didn't know how, but I was going to this conference.

A few weeks later, I had contacted the representatives and coordinators of the Marine Careers section of the show. Marine Careers is an extra day added to the show that is focused on guiding high school and college students to follow their dreams of becoming involved in marine science, underwater photography, conservation, and diving. The best part? College students who participate in this day of activities can attend the rest of the conference for free! Yes! The game plan was set and we were off to Secaucus, NJ for a spectacular adventure!

After a weekend of nerdy diving conversations with new friends and colleagues, I can honestly say that Beneath the Sea exceeded all of my expectations. Every presentation and seminar I had the opportunity to attend was absolutely incredible. Successfully, tingling my shipwreck and technical diving senses, I left the show with a new perspective on SCUBA diving as a whole. Sure it's a recreational thing for the majority of divers, but listening to the tales of serious explorers and instructors has solidified my goals of becoming a dive "professional." (One day...)

Even the marine conservation discussions were spectacular. Little do the Our World Underwater Scholarship Committee and Shark Angels crew know, but I literally experienced heart palpitations when introducing myself. Those who have dedicated their lives to saving the oceans are held as true heroes in my eyes. When I was little, I used to sit and read my "Jacques Cousteau's Underwater World" encyclopedia set and dream of making a difference in the world. And here, at Beneath the Sea, I was surrounded by people that have and continue to do so every day. An eclectic group of scientists, activists, and passionate sea lovers alike, I felt like I belonged. I was finally breaking through the surface tension and had begun my decent into the wonderful waves of being a leader in environmental protection. Though still unsure as to which exact course I will take along my underwater conservation journey, I feel confident to say that I've begun with the beautiful ocean horizon in sight (one that I'd like to keep free of waste and full of the sea creatures that call it home)!

Ta ta for now folks!

What it's like to work on the GBR!

After about three days of exams, projects, presentations and minimal sleep, I want to let my mind drift back to the days of working on a dive boat out on the Great Barrier Reef. It was a combination of relaxing bliss and high-paced topsy-turvy costumer service.

If anyone has ever considered getting a job on a luxury SCUBA diving liveaboard, this post will detail the pros and cons of the business, while letting me reminisce about my days at sea off the coast of Australia.

The faint crackling and popping sounds of the reef fill your ears. It draws your attention to the brilliantly colored parrotfish chomping away at the hard corals; their pectoral fins flap up and down like underwater wings. Angels? More like keepers of the reef. 

Another chomp awakens a small goby from its hole. It's eyes seem to give the parrotfish a once-over before slinking back into the confines of the coral crevice. 

Out of the corner of your eye a queen triggerfish swims by. With a seemingly enigmatic blend of arbitrary patterns, it boldly approaches you to investigate. Intrepid and beautiful, it flashes a toothy grin before retreating. At only ten or so inches, they are capable of a nasty bite.

One small frog kick at a time, you gently glide on. Weightlessly hovering over the bottom, your approaching shadow stirs a ray from it's sandy blanket. What was once just a pair of watchful eyes, emerges from the silt and elegantly takes flight. 

The loud flutter of bubbles upon your exhalation reminds you of how alien the human form is to this environment. Once again, you inhale the cool dry aid from your regulator. A glance down at your gauges reveal that your time below the surface is coming to a close....for now at least.

Even typing this short description seems to ease the tension of the stressful job aboard a SCUBA liveaborad. But, THIS, is what you do it for. Another chance to disappear beneath the water and immerse yourself into an exotic world: one that truly displays the creativity of nature.

The other side of the business is slightly less glamorous.

Crew awake from their cramped quarters promptly at 5:30am, the first dive is at 6:30am and there is much to do before that time.

My beloved bunk (equipped with bed bugs and all).

While the paying passengers are still nestled in their luxury cabins, the other hostesses and I busily gather the morning sugar and tea packets and brew up a few pots of coffee for the guests. While the coffee filters, we carefully set each table in the dining room table, vacuum, and clean all the doors and windows of the nightly sea spray. The household chores to keep the boat in tip-top shape!

Now doesn't that look lovely!

Finally, it is 6:15am and we scurry out to the dive deck and get ready for the for a morning dip! Throwing off the uniform and squeezing into a damp wetsuit and SCUBA gear in under 15 minutes takes time to master, but by now we all have the process down. The clock running and breakfast is served at 8:00am. We need to be back in the kitchen to set up the buffet at least 15 minutes before, so with no time to waste, we complete our buddy checks and plunge beneath the shimmering surface.

As the bubbles from the entry surround you and the cool water begins to dribble into your wetsuit, a wave of tranquility washes away any morning stress. Another chance to be weightless and to leisurely drift among nature's most beautifully obscure creatures. 

There is something to be said about one's ability to maintain a professional and orderly appearance just fifteen minutes after surfacing from the salty waters. The secret is to have a lot of hanging spots in your cabin! I don't think I ever used a clean towel and with only one shower between four hosts, you learn to suffice by quickly rinsing the salt crystals off your face and finger combing wet, salty, scraggly hair into a semi presentable bun. Four times a day we go through this process, and each time we eagerly await the next! It is the diving that makes all the hard work worth it!

The 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES

Earlier this month, on March 3-14th, the 16th Meeting of the conference of the Parties to CITES was held in Bangkok, Thailand. For those of you still not up to date of the many acronyms of environmental sciences, CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species.  

CITES is an international agreement designed to regulate the trade of wild plants and animals in order to protect species from over-exploitation. Enacted in 1975 as part of the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the legally-binding treaty was signed by 176 nations and effectively put international controls on the imports and exports of all listed species. By signing this treaty, the nations also pledged to adopt domestic legislation in order to preserve CITES restrictions on a national level. CITES has since offered varying degrees of protection for over 30,000 species of plants and animals (http://www.cites.org/). 

So why was the 16th meeting so important?

It was this meeting where manta rays and five shark species (the porbeagle, oceanic white tip, and the great, scalloped, and smooth hammerhead) were added to the protection list. The ruling is considered monumental in the preservation of these oceanic species because it will restrict the international trade of shark fins and manta ray products typically used in traditional Chinese cooking. 

Due to the demand for shark fin soup, various shark populations have been decimated worldwide. There are estimates that approximately 100 million sharks are slaughtered every year, primarily to support the global fin trade. Because many sharks and manta rays are transient animals, they have succumbed to the "Tragedy of the Commons," meaning that fishing regulations and harvest quotas are difficult to manage. Thus, the 16th meeting of conference of the Parties of CITES will be remembered as a historic event in marine conservation.

Photo by Brian Skerry/NOAA

I conclude with great hope that the world will preserve these beautiful ocean creatures by enforcing the ruling in the years to come. Hooray for sharks and manta rays!

Welcome to my blog!

Blog post #1! I've been thinking about doing this for a while, but given my indecisive nature, I could never come up with a suitable name. Finally, I settled upon 'Hillary by the Sea.' My name is Hillary, I love the ocean, and the catchy title even rhymes! Perfect.

A little bit about myself: I love the colors blue and green. I love marine and environmental sciences. There may or may not be a connection between those two statements.

If you ask any of my friends, they'd tell you that I never shut up about SCUBA diving and that I am studying for a degree in marine biology. - This is almost accurate.

I do LOVE to dive and all of my passions are related to the ocean and conservation sciences. However, people just automatically assume that I am a marine biology student because I throw around casual scientific names for reef fish (i.e. Pomacentrus moluccensis - adorable little yellow damselfish). I am actually finishing up my senior year in the Environmental Science and Natural Resources program at the University of Connecticut. As much as I would like to, I know fairly little about marine phytoplankton. I could definitely tell you more about the NAAQS, CERCLA, RCRA, or NEPA. Environmental science students frequently live in a world of acronyms. Look them up!

But back to the ocean...Yes, I am extremely enthusiastic about marine conservation and exploration. This blog will be dedicated to posting my thoughts, experiences, concerns, current events, and everything else related to the sea and SCUBA diving. In my last semester at UConn, things are about to get very interesting as I can finally put my passions to work and make a difference in the world. So excited!