12/25/13
RELAXING FOR THE HOLIDAYS ! SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!
If you happen to be relaxing by reading this blog, I encourage you to look through the archives of old posts. There's a lot of good information in there! See you in 2014!
12/24/13
12/19/13
ANTARCTICA IS IN THE NEWS : DIAMONDS and PRINCE HARRY
The other day I was listening to a talk radio show and I heard that we are suffering from Global Warming but that a new Ice Age may be coming fast. I read about Prince Harry and a team of veterans who've experienced disabilities making it to the South Pole. I read about scientists continuing to look for evidence of ancient life forms - maybe microbes - beneath thick sheets of ice and about the breaking of ice into floating mountains the size of whole states.
What is happening with Antarctica?
The possible discover of DIAMONDS could send explorers of a different kind to that continent.
FOX NEWS : SPARKLING DISCOVERY
The news is that a mineral rock called kimberlites has been detected.
TODAY : PRINCE HARRY AND TEAM EVACUATED TODAY AFTER REACHING POLE DEC 14th
What is happening with Antarctica?
The possible discover of DIAMONDS could send explorers of a different kind to that continent.
FOX NEWS : SPARKLING DISCOVERY
The news is that a mineral rock called kimberlites has been detected.
TODAY : PRINCE HARRY AND TEAM EVACUATED TODAY AFTER REACHING POLE DEC 14th
12/10/13
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER ECOSYSTEMS : TIDE POOLS, AQUARIUMS, and ENDEAVOR
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER OFFICIAL!
The California Science Center is a partnership between the State of California and the not for profit California Science Center Foundation. Call them before you go. There is a fee for IMAX theater tickets but often the Center is free, or donation based entry. For readers of this blog, the ECOSYSTMES permanent exhibit is of most interest. You can walk through a living kelp forest and view many other aquariums.
The California Science Center is a partnership between the State of California and the not for profit California Science Center Foundation. Call them before you go. There is a fee for IMAX theater tickets but often the Center is free, or donation based entry. For readers of this blog, the ECOSYSTMES permanent exhibit is of most interest. You can walk through a living kelp forest and view many other aquariums.
12/3/13
CRABS WALKS 5.5 MILES ACROSS ISLAND TO BREED IN OCEAN
YAHOO TRAVEL : CRABS WALK ACROSS CHRISTMAS ISLAND
But it's still a hazardous route, and there will be the inevitable road kill during the difficult five-day journey. At points during the month-long movement, the roving creatures cover the area with a crimson tide of claws.
The males are the advance team at the beach. They dig burrows for the females, who arrive five to seven days later. After breeding, the females stay in the burrows for another two weeks or so, laying eggs and waiting for them to develop, Australian Geographic explains.
But it's still a hazardous route, and there will be the inevitable road kill during the difficult five-day journey. At points during the month-long movement, the roving creatures cover the area with a crimson tide of claws.
The males are the advance team at the beach. They dig burrows for the females, who arrive five to seven days later. After breeding, the females stay in the burrows for another two weeks or so, laying eggs and waiting for them to develop, Australian Geographic explains.
WORLD WAR II ERA JAPANESE SPY SUB FOUND OFF HAWAII
FOX NEWS - SPY SUB full article including cool pictures!
"The I-400 was one of the “Sen-Toku” class submarines, which were the largest submarines ever built until nuclear-powered subs were invented. It is 400 feet long and could travel one and a half times around the world without refueling."
"The I-400 was one of the “Sen-Toku” class submarines, which were the largest submarines ever built until nuclear-powered subs were invented. It is 400 feet long and could travel one and a half times around the world without refueling."
11/28/13
11/26/13
HERE WE GO THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON - ECOLOGICALLY
The other day I was thinking about gifts that I might like to give or receive, gifts large and small.
Donations to Save the Manatees or another organization are good gifts to give, and you might make a donation in honor or someone else.
Home made gifts that reuse cardboard, plastic, and other "garbage," can be very special gifts to make and give. You can make your own greeting cards.
When buying new toys, it's difficult, but try to avoid plastic and foam and over packaging by purchasing wooden, woolen, biodegradable crafts; you'll be supporting small businesspeople and artists if you buy at your local farmers or artisans market.
Reuse wrapping paper or make your own from the comics, brown paper bags, or pieces of fabric left over from sewing projects.
Some of the best cards and gifts I've ever received have been hand made ones!
Donations to Save the Manatees or another organization are good gifts to give, and you might make a donation in honor or someone else.
Home made gifts that reuse cardboard, plastic, and other "garbage," can be very special gifts to make and give. You can make your own greeting cards.
When buying new toys, it's difficult, but try to avoid plastic and foam and over packaging by purchasing wooden, woolen, biodegradable crafts; you'll be supporting small businesspeople and artists if you buy at your local farmers or artisans market.
Reuse wrapping paper or make your own from the comics, brown paper bags, or pieces of fabric left over from sewing projects.
Some of the best cards and gifts I've ever received have been hand made ones!
11/10/13
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP HEAL OUR WATERWAYS
I recently attended a little fair where there was a table set up with information about what happens when it rains, and the rain water rushes down the street, sweeping everything in it's path into storm drains, all of which ends up in the ocean.
THE MESSAGE WAS CLEAR.
MAKING A LITTLE EFFORT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE AND THE TIME TO START IS NOW!
Throw garbage out in designated cans. Don't mix plastic and glass bottles in with garden refuse that's organic - the cans go their separate ways. Throw as much cardboard, foam, and other packaging materials into the recyclables can. Old electronics and batteries present a special problem. Just think of all the old computers that have been thrown out! Televisions, vacuum cleaners, CD's all should be taken to special collections. Furniture - call for the big item pick up!
REUSE things a few times more - plastic grocery bags for example. Or repurpose things. Old clothing should be delivered to a charity or cut up to make other items. Socks without partners make good rags.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION and BE INNOVATIVE!
Siren
THE MESSAGE WAS CLEAR.
MAKING A LITTLE EFFORT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE AND THE TIME TO START IS NOW!
Throw garbage out in designated cans. Don't mix plastic and glass bottles in with garden refuse that's organic - the cans go their separate ways. Throw as much cardboard, foam, and other packaging materials into the recyclables can. Old electronics and batteries present a special problem. Just think of all the old computers that have been thrown out! Televisions, vacuum cleaners, CD's all should be taken to special collections. Furniture - call for the big item pick up!
REUSE things a few times more - plastic grocery bags for example. Or repurpose things. Old clothing should be delivered to a charity or cut up to make other items. Socks without partners make good rags.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION and BE INNOVATIVE!
Siren
10/29/13
10/27/13
10/8/13
GIANT - AND I MEAN GIANT! SQUID WASHES ASHORE IN SPAIN
NATURE WORLD NEWS : GIANT SQUID WASHES ASHORE IN SPAIN
The specimen is more than 10 meters long and weighs some 180 kilos.
The specimen is more than 10 meters long and weighs some 180 kilos.
It has since been moved to the Maritime Museum of Cantabria in the port city of Santander where technicians are focused on conserving the animal..
*****
This is like something you might have read about in a Jules Verne book.
10/4/13
SIREN WELCOMES NEW READERS TO THIS BLOG
I recently added a TRANSLATOR as well as a just click link so that readers who are coming to SIRENS LINK TO SEA from older posts can easily get to the latest newer posts and read from the top. I always hope that my blog will interest you and keep you informed on ocean ecology!
9/10/13
FOUR MILE WIDE VOLCANO UNDER THE PACIFIC IS THE BIGGEST VOLCANO IN THE WORLD
TAMU MASSIF - HUFFINGTON POST link to full article
"The entire volcano is bigger than the British Isles or New Mexico.
Despite Tamu's huge size, the ship surveys showed little evidence the volcano's top ever poked above the sea. The world's biggest volcano has been hidden because it sits on thin oceanic crust (or lithosphere), which can't support its weight. Its top is about 6,500 feet (1,980 meters) below the ocean surface today"
"The entire volcano is bigger than the British Isles or New Mexico.
Despite Tamu's huge size, the ship surveys showed little evidence the volcano's top ever poked above the sea. The world's biggest volcano has been hidden because it sits on thin oceanic crust (or lithosphere), which can't support its weight. Its top is about 6,500 feet (1,980 meters) below the ocean surface today"
9/3/13
DIANA NYAD SWIMS FROM CUBA TO FLORIDA - A FIFTH TRY FOR THIS COURAGEOUS ATHLETE!
A THIRD TRY FOR THIS COURAGEOUS ATHLETE! She tried four times before, twice in the last year or so, before and had to stop - mostly due to jelly fish stings. Here's video of Diana's arrival in Key West yesterday September 2, 2013 at 153pm, after swimming 52 Hours 54 Minutes 18.6 Seconds and 110.4 statue miles. DIANA's OWN WEB SITE!
Diana tried four other times... it was jelly fish stings that stopped her. She swam without a shark cage, without flippers, through the nights, and this time with a special jelly fish sting remedy. She is the first person to do this swim and she's 64 years old. She says we are never too old to give up on our dreams. CONGRADULATIONS!
<
Diana tried four other times... it was jelly fish stings that stopped her. She swam without a shark cage, without flippers, through the nights, and this time with a special jelly fish sting remedy. She is the first person to do this swim and she's 64 years old. She says we are never too old to give up on our dreams. CONGRADULATIONS!
<
9/2/13
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT PLASTIC POLLUTION! AND ALL THAT OTHER STUFF!
I've read some articles and heard some radio broadcasts that say that drinking from plastic bottles or eating food from plastic containers (especially plastic film wrap and microwaving) result in PLASTIC IN OUR BODIES. Fish are found with plastic in theirs. It may be what's killing them.
So what are the things we can do NOW to cut the plastic pollution?
Number one is RECYCLING - putting plastics together to be sold for reuse or at least dumped together. When I walk my dog, and I'm already stooping to pick up his poo, and I see bottles and cans laying around, I pick them up too. Recycling puts some money in your pocket.
DON'T BUY DRINKS IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS - aluminum is better! But think past the bottles to the big drinks that come in huge plastic containers and all those straws and lids.
If eating in a fast food restaurant you can drink without the straws and lids. See if you can reuse a container many times or bring your own!
BEWARE! You should not leave plastic bottles in cars or windows or sunlight - the plastic starts leaching into the drink faster.
BUYING WATER? GET A WASHABLE GLASS GALLON JUG instead of using the plastic.
DISHWASHING does use suds and water, but is probably more ecologically correct than landfills of plastic and seas of plastic.
BUY THINGS THAT BIODEGRADE faster such as shoes made of fabric or leather rather than plastic or vinyl. Same thing about purses and bags.
YES, reuse what you have. You don't have to be a total cheapskate and use a bag till it falls apart but how about using it 3 times before you throw it away?
BUY BIODEGRADEABLE dog poopie bags and trash bags.
Don't throw clothes out in the trash. Chop up the bad stuff to be used as rags, give the rest to charity for another go around. (Cut off the buttons and reuse them!)
Save the plastic you bring home and give it to a school to be used for art projects.
TAKE YOUR ELECTRONICS to special recycling events or call your city trash pick up for those TV's and appliances. Batteries? Many libraries have used battery drop offs.
Lunch bags of paper or old fashioned metal lunch boxes!
Make your own GIFT WRAP or gently reuse the paper that you removed from your presents. Also bows, etc.
Store leftovers and opened food in glass containers with lids in the fridge.
So what are the things we can do NOW to cut the plastic pollution?
Number one is RECYCLING - putting plastics together to be sold for reuse or at least dumped together. When I walk my dog, and I'm already stooping to pick up his poo, and I see bottles and cans laying around, I pick them up too. Recycling puts some money in your pocket.
DON'T BUY DRINKS IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS - aluminum is better! But think past the bottles to the big drinks that come in huge plastic containers and all those straws and lids.
If eating in a fast food restaurant you can drink without the straws and lids. See if you can reuse a container many times or bring your own!
BEWARE! You should not leave plastic bottles in cars or windows or sunlight - the plastic starts leaching into the drink faster.
BUYING WATER? GET A WASHABLE GLASS GALLON JUG instead of using the plastic.
DISHWASHING does use suds and water, but is probably more ecologically correct than landfills of plastic and seas of plastic.
BUY THINGS THAT BIODEGRADE faster such as shoes made of fabric or leather rather than plastic or vinyl. Same thing about purses and bags.
YES, reuse what you have. You don't have to be a total cheapskate and use a bag till it falls apart but how about using it 3 times before you throw it away?
BUY BIODEGRADEABLE dog poopie bags and trash bags.
Don't throw clothes out in the trash. Chop up the bad stuff to be used as rags, give the rest to charity for another go around. (Cut off the buttons and reuse them!)
Save the plastic you bring home and give it to a school to be used for art projects.
TAKE YOUR ELECTRONICS to special recycling events or call your city trash pick up for those TV's and appliances. Batteries? Many libraries have used battery drop offs.
Lunch bags of paper or old fashioned metal lunch boxes!
Make your own GIFT WRAP or gently reuse the paper that you removed from your presents. Also bows, etc.
Store leftovers and opened food in glass containers with lids in the fridge.
8/22/13
8/18/13
JERRY HALL BREAKS RECORD -DIVER UNDER WATER SIX DAYS
WCYP : RECORDBREAKER DIVER JERRY HALL article by By Meredith Machen
Excerpt: For the third time in his life, Hall holds the world record for longest freshwater scuba dive. Now it will take more than 145 hours and 31 minutes to beat him.
Though his hands and feet are shriveled, Hall said he's feeling great.
The diver told us one of the hardest parts about this dive was the temperature. "I was really cold. I just told the guys, [and] they worked the problem out [and] fixed it. They got me back to being semi-warm. I'm just now starting to warm up," Hall said shortly after he surfaced.
Excerpt: For the third time in his life, Hall holds the world record for longest freshwater scuba dive. Now it will take more than 145 hours and 31 minutes to beat him.
Though his hands and feet are shriveled, Hall said he's feeling great.
The diver told us one of the hardest parts about this dive was the temperature. "I was really cold. I just told the guys, [and] they worked the problem out [and] fixed it. They got me back to being semi-warm. I'm just now starting to warm up," Hall said shortly after he surfaced.
8/15/13
COELACANTH GENOME SEQUENCED :
BBC NEWS : LIVING FOSSIL FISH GENOME SEQUENCED - COELACANTH link to article by Rebecca Morelle, Science reporter, BBC World Service
"Researchers sequenced the genome of the coelacanth: a deep-sea fish that closely resembles its ancestors, which lived at least 300 million years ago....It had been suggested that this fish was closely related to early tetrapods - the first creatures to drag themselves out of the ocean, giving rise to life on land."
"Researchers sequenced the genome of the coelacanth: a deep-sea fish that closely resembles its ancestors, which lived at least 300 million years ago....It had been suggested that this fish was closely related to early tetrapods - the first creatures to drag themselves out of the ocean, giving rise to life on land."
8/13/13
SEA MONSTER CARCASS PROVES TO BE WHALE
DISCOVERY COM - SEA MONSTER IS WHALE
link
A marine biologist soon identified the remains as a killer whale, in part because of its distinctive flipper. The mystery was solved, but it’s not the first time an animal’s carcass has been mistaken for a monster. In fact, New Zealand is one of the most common places in the world — along with Newfoundland, Canada and Florida — for such “sea monsters” to appear. THIS LINK HAS OTHER LINKS TO LEAD YOU TO SEA MONSTER AND BLOB INFO!
link
A marine biologist soon identified the remains as a killer whale, in part because of its distinctive flipper. The mystery was solved, but it’s not the first time an animal’s carcass has been mistaken for a monster. In fact, New Zealand is one of the most common places in the world — along with Newfoundland, Canada and Florida — for such “sea monsters” to appear. THIS LINK HAS OTHER LINKS TO LEAD YOU TO SEA MONSTER AND BLOB INFO!
8/8/13
THE PLASTIPHERE : ARE THE MICROBES EATING THE PLASTIC? IS THERE DISEASE?
ACS -PLASTIPHERE - A NEW MARINE ECOLOGY COMMUNITY.
"The masses of plastic debris that float over large areas of the world's oceans have become new ecological communities that scientists have named the "Plastisphere." Their report in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology suggests that these novel habitats in the North Atlantic Ocean may harbor potential disease-causing microbes. Erik Zettler of the Sea Education Association, Tracy Mincer of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Linda Amaral-Zettler of the Marine Biological Laboratory explain that plastic has become the No. 1 form of ocean debris, causing serious concerns about its impact on the health of ocean communities."
"The masses of plastic debris that float over large areas of the world's oceans have become new ecological communities that scientists have named the "Plastisphere." Their report in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology suggests that these novel habitats in the North Atlantic Ocean may harbor potential disease-causing microbes. Erik Zettler of the Sea Education Association, Tracy Mincer of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Linda Amaral-Zettler of the Marine Biological Laboratory explain that plastic has become the No. 1 form of ocean debris, causing serious concerns about its impact on the health of ocean communities."
8/2/13
ORCA WHALE WITH PLASTIC BAG IN MOUTH : OUR OCEAN ECOLOGY
LIVE SCIENCE : ORCA WITH PLASTIC BAG IN MOUTH ARTICLE
LIVE SCIENCE : ORCA SPOTTED WITH PLASTIC BAG IN MOUTH .
MY CONCERNS OVER PLASTIC POLLUTION GROW... link here! .
One group of researchers recently published a database of trash on the seafloor from California to Canada and offshore of Hawaii. They found that most garbage in their count was plastic, and of those items, more than half were plastic bags, some choking corals nearly 7,000 feet (2,115 meters) below.
LIVE SCIENCE : ORCA SPOTTED WITH PLASTIC BAG IN MOUTH
MY CONCERNS OVER PLASTIC POLLUTION GROW... link here! .
One group of researchers recently published a database of trash on the seafloor from California to Canada and offshore of Hawaii. They found that most garbage in their count was plastic, and of those items, more than half were plastic bags, some choking corals nearly 7,000 feet (2,115 meters) below.
7/30/13
DID YOU KNOW THAT KIRYAT YAMISRAEL OFFERS A $1 MILLION DOLLAR AWARD FOR A MERMAID PHOTO ?
LIVE SCIENCE (2009) ON MERMAID SIGHTINGS link
The money remains unclaimed. Is this a hoax just to gain tourism dollars?
The money remains unclaimed. Is this a hoax just to gain tourism dollars?
7/24/13
7/20/13
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FULL OCEAN INFO SITE : VERY COOL!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC OCEAN SITE link here to lots of current information and the National Geographic Initiative Program which is all about ocean concervation!
7/17/13
MEXICO FISHERMEN WASTE THE LIVES OF 250 STINGRAYS
HUFFINGTON POST ARTICLE : STINGRAYS ON MEXICAN BEACH link
The Stingrays were destined to be eaten in Vera Cruz, but when the fisherman could not get a good price, they dumped them. This article contains a lot of good pictures.
The Stingrays were destined to be eaten in Vera Cruz, but when the fisherman could not get a good price, they dumped them. This article contains a lot of good pictures.
7/16/13
GOOD BEACH BEHAVIOR!
What does it mean to be at your best behavior at the beach?
Well, first it means obeying the posted signs.
Some beaches let you set up a barbecue and other's don't. Usually for good reasons. Maybe people don't want to smell the smoke or have it in their eyes.
There are life guards at most beaches where people are allowed to swim. Besides actually rescuing swimmers, life guards are the first to know when there's a dangerous tide or a shark.
Obey life guards.
Share the beach with others. Don't play mean pranks on other kids, like burying them in sand and splitting, teasing a girl by trying to drown her, even if she is your sister, or kicking sand.
When you take food and drinks to the beach, take the refuse home with you. Many beach garbage cans overflow or are attacked by sea gulls who spread the refuse around the beach. Then the waves take it into the sea.
The plastic that holds six packs of soda together really should be cut into small pieces because they are less harmful to fish and other sea life if they are not left intact.
You don't really want your plastic to be part of the big SEA OF PLASTIC in the Pacific do you?
Well, first it means obeying the posted signs.
Some beaches let you set up a barbecue and other's don't. Usually for good reasons. Maybe people don't want to smell the smoke or have it in their eyes.
There are life guards at most beaches where people are allowed to swim. Besides actually rescuing swimmers, life guards are the first to know when there's a dangerous tide or a shark.
Obey life guards.
Share the beach with others. Don't play mean pranks on other kids, like burying them in sand and splitting, teasing a girl by trying to drown her, even if she is your sister, or kicking sand.
When you take food and drinks to the beach, take the refuse home with you. Many beach garbage cans overflow or are attacked by sea gulls who spread the refuse around the beach. Then the waves take it into the sea.
The plastic that holds six packs of soda together really should be cut into small pieces because they are less harmful to fish and other sea life if they are not left intact.
You don't really want your plastic to be part of the big SEA OF PLASTIC in the Pacific do you?
7/1/13
6/23/13
SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS at MANDALAY BAY VEGAS
If you're interested in scuba diving in a tank with 30 different kinds of sharks, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, is your chance.
MANDALAY SHARK REEF link here!
You must be a certified diver and use their equipment as well as go with their guide. You'll be underwater a couple hours.
"The Shipwreck Exhibit is home to many fascinating creatures including seven species of sharks; Sandtiger Sharks (~7-9 feet), Sandbar Sharks (~6- 8 feet), Gray Reef Sharks (~ 4-5 feet), Galapagos Shark (~ 5-6 feet), Nurse Sharks (~7-9 feet), White Tip Reef Sharks (~4-5 feet), Zebra Sharks (~ 5- 6 feet). There are also two species of rays: Southern Stingrays, Green Sawfish and various species of bony fish."
MANDALAY SHARK REEF link here!
You must be a certified diver and use their equipment as well as go with their guide. You'll be underwater a couple hours.
"The Shipwreck Exhibit is home to many fascinating creatures including seven species of sharks; Sandtiger Sharks (~7-9 feet), Sandbar Sharks (~6- 8 feet), Gray Reef Sharks (~ 4-5 feet), Galapagos Shark (~ 5-6 feet), Nurse Sharks (~7-9 feet), White Tip Reef Sharks (~4-5 feet), Zebra Sharks (~ 5- 6 feet). There are also two species of rays: Southern Stingrays, Green Sawfish and various species of bony fish."
6/21/13
6/17/13
VEGAS IN THE DESERT AND UNDER WATER - THE SILVERTON CASINO MERMAIDS
Recently a friend gave me some print information on vacationing in Las Vegas, where I've never been or thought to go for a vacation. In the brochure on Summer 2013 put out by the tourist people there were a couple INTERACTIVE exhibits. ONE IS THE MERMAIDS AT THE SILVERTON. This is a casino with a 117,000 gallon reef aquarium that features INTERACTIVE STINGRAY FEEDINGS and LIVE MERMAIDS.
Here's the link! SILVERTON CASINO - LIVE MERMAIDS AND STINGRAYS SHOW
Each mermaid has an amazing background in swimming, acting as a mermaid, and/or acting! Honestly, these mermaids are very qualified mermaids!
Here's the link! SILVERTON CASINO - LIVE MERMAIDS AND STINGRAYS SHOW
Each mermaid has an amazing background in swimming, acting as a mermaid, and/or acting! Honestly, these mermaids are very qualified mermaids!
6/15/13
SHOULD YOU BE COLLECTING SEASHELLS?
As a girl collecting and trading sea shells with other kids was a lot of fun. Gradually I learned that a proper shell collection is not just full of shells you've IDENTIFIED but also information on when and where they were found.
If you went to any beach resort you could buy bags of sea shells. Most of these shells were dredged from the sea.
Those were the days when people were not at all concerned about ocean ecology, under sea life, or the massive floating sea of plastic in the Pacific ocean. (If you want to read more about the Sea of Plastic in this Google Blogger, use the search engine to bring up older posts!)
Once I started collecting shells I learned that dredging for shells was the way that many collectors got their specimens - and of course the animal that lived in the shell was killed. There were instructions on how to kill it, and how to remove it's dead remains from the shell so it wouldn't smell.
These days I don't believe in collecting sea shells unless you find one already dead and washed up on the beach.
I believe we need to leave sea life where it belongs, in it's own ocean environment.
If you went to any beach resort you could buy bags of sea shells. Most of these shells were dredged from the sea.
Those were the days when people were not at all concerned about ocean ecology, under sea life, or the massive floating sea of plastic in the Pacific ocean. (If you want to read more about the Sea of Plastic in this Google Blogger, use the search engine to bring up older posts!)
Once I started collecting shells I learned that dredging for shells was the way that many collectors got their specimens - and of course the animal that lived in the shell was killed. There were instructions on how to kill it, and how to remove it's dead remains from the shell so it wouldn't smell.
These days I don't believe in collecting sea shells unless you find one already dead and washed up on the beach.
I believe we need to leave sea life where it belongs, in it's own ocean environment.
6/11/13
SEA SHELL FRAME
Update 2022 - If you find a frame like this at a thrift store or resale shop - buy it.
However, refrain from buying sea shells in crafts stores - Shells are the homes of living sea creatures
and we may be killing them off by buying shells.
Check out posts on sea shells by clicking on the label below.
6/6/13
JUNE GLOOM AND SMOG
A massive tornado hits the ground running and cuts a 16 miles path of destruction, followed by other smaller tornados that are just as mean. The Daunube River of Europe is flooding, effecting 10 countries today.
And here in Southern California there is "June Gloom" (a sort of foggy smoggyness that lingers mornings obscuring the sun, that "burns through") miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Boring compared to all that.
I feel lucky to live in Earthquake land at this point.
Of course, there are Earthquakes under the ocean waters too, which is what creates Tsunamis.
Every time there's a big enough Earthquake here, thousands of people make promises to themselves that they don't keep like moving away or wearing their clothes to bed, or buying all plastic dishware.
Feeling lazy today!
And here in Southern California there is "June Gloom" (a sort of foggy smoggyness that lingers mornings obscuring the sun, that "burns through") miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Boring compared to all that.
I feel lucky to live in Earthquake land at this point.
Of course, there are Earthquakes under the ocean waters too, which is what creates Tsunamis.
Every time there's a big enough Earthquake here, thousands of people make promises to themselves that they don't keep like moving away or wearing their clothes to bed, or buying all plastic dishware.
Feeling lazy today!
5/27/13
5/24/13
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SUMMER BEGINS : ASHES IN THE SEA
I know that officially, scientifically, Summer begins on June 21st - the equinox, but to me Summer begins on the Memorial Day Weekend. I'll be starting my weekend soon as I post this, and heading out early for a Friday. and this weekend I will TRY ON MY SWIMSUIT COLLECTION to see which ones fit and which ones have sprung their elastic.
For some time I was swimming at a gym a few times a week. I made a promise to myself that I would go swimming at a pool in a local park at least twice a month a while back... it's time to start going!
Memorial Day is a traditional time for people to go visit (and clean) family graves. These days with so many people being cremated and having their ashes thrown into the ocean, the OCEAN is a GRAVE SITE for PEOPLE. Just a thought...
For some time I was swimming at a gym a few times a week. I made a promise to myself that I would go swimming at a pool in a local park at least twice a month a while back... it's time to start going!
Memorial Day is a traditional time for people to go visit (and clean) family graves. These days with so many people being cremated and having their ashes thrown into the ocean, the OCEAN is a GRAVE SITE for PEOPLE. Just a thought...
5/20/13
5/16/13
CALGARY SALT WATER A BILLION YEARS OLD
CALGARY HERALD : WORLD OLDEST WATER
"...An international research team reported Wednesday that miners near Timmins are tapping into an ancient underground oasis that may harbour prehistoric microbes. The water flowing out of fractures and bore holes in one mine near Timmins dates back more than a billion years, perhaps 2.6 billion, making it the oldest water known to exist on Earth, says the team that details the discovery in the journal Nature..."
"...An international research team reported Wednesday that miners near Timmins are tapping into an ancient underground oasis that may harbour prehistoric microbes. The water flowing out of fractures and bore holes in one mine near Timmins dates back more than a billion years, perhaps 2.6 billion, making it the oldest water known to exist on Earth, says the team that details the discovery in the journal Nature..."
5/14/13
5/11/13
OCEANIC WHITE TIP SHARKS STUDY : BAHAMAS
BBC NATURE : OCEANIC WHITE TIP SHARK RETURNING HOME TO BAHAMAS
EXCERPT: "They are opportunistic predators with powerful jaws and as such are considered one of the more dangerous sharks to humans, although the number of unprovoked attacks on people is small...
"Of all the sharks that live in the open ocean they're the ones that have really declined a lot in the last few decades," said Dr Demian Chapman of Stony Brook University, New York, US, who led the study.
"They've gone from being one of the most abundant large vertebrates on the planet to being considered quite endangered."
EXCERPT: "They are opportunistic predators with powerful jaws and as such are considered one of the more dangerous sharks to humans, although the number of unprovoked attacks on people is small...
"Of all the sharks that live in the open ocean they're the ones that have really declined a lot in the last few decades," said Dr Demian Chapman of Stony Brook University, New York, US, who led the study.
"They've gone from being one of the most abundant large vertebrates on the planet to being considered quite endangered."
5/8/13
5/6/13
CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION NAMES THE GREAT WHITE SHARK FIRST MARINE ANIMAL TO BE PROTECTED
GREAT WHITE SHARKS OFF CALIFORNIA GIVEN GREATER PROTECTION Reuters News Article written by By Steve Gorman
Excerpt: The five-member California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously on February 6 to name the great white shark as the first marine animal granted candidate designation under the state Endangered Species Act.
Excerpt: The five-member California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously on February 6 to name the great white shark as the first marine animal granted candidate designation under the state Endangered Species Act.
5/4/13
5/2/13
DOLPHINS MAY BE CALLING EACH OTHER BY NAME
NPR : SCIENCE FINDS DOLPHINS CALL EACH OTHER BY NAME link to the full NPR article here!
EXCERPT: During the captures, the dolphins can't see each other, but can hear each other and continue to communicate.
EXCERPT: During the captures, the dolphins can't see each other, but can hear each other and continue to communicate.
4/22/13
3/27/13
ANTARCTIC WHALE SKELETON and NINE NEW DEEP SEA SPECIES
LA TIMES SCIENCE : First Antarctic whale skeleton turns up nine new deep-sea species link to full article and pictures! By Amina Khan
"Whale falls — when the body of a deceased whale sinks to the bottom of the ocean — can become an oasis rich in resources for deep-sea life. That ecosystem develops in stages: First, swimmers such as sharks, hagfish and crustaceans will gnaw off the flesh. Next, other hungry critters will break down the remaining soft tissues. Then chemical-consuming microorganisms will break down the waste sulfide left by previous generations, a process that may take decades."
"Whale falls — when the body of a deceased whale sinks to the bottom of the ocean — can become an oasis rich in resources for deep-sea life. That ecosystem develops in stages: First, swimmers such as sharks, hagfish and crustaceans will gnaw off the flesh. Next, other hungry critters will break down the remaining soft tissues. Then chemical-consuming microorganisms will break down the waste sulfide left by previous generations, a process that may take decades."
3/23/13
SOUNDINGS - THE REMARKABLE STORY OF MARIE THARP, the GEOLOGIST WHO MAPPED THE OCEAN FLOOR
Just heard of this new book, which sounds exciting! Marie Tharp dedicated more than 20 years of her career to the Lamont Geological Observatory.
Link to the author HALI FELT here! "Her maps of the ocean floor have been called “one of the most remarkable achievements in modern cartography”, yet no one knows her name... Before Marie Tharp, geologist and gifted draftsperson, most people thought the ocean floor was a vast expanse of nothingness."
If you can't afford to purchase this book, be sure to ask your local library to buy a copy for circulation.
Link to the author HALI FELT here! "Her maps of the ocean floor have been called “one of the most remarkable achievements in modern cartography”, yet no one knows her name... Before Marie Tharp, geologist and gifted draftsperson, most people thought the ocean floor was a vast expanse of nothingness."
If you can't afford to purchase this book, be sure to ask your local library to buy a copy for circulation.
3/14/13
STRANGE SCIENCE'S ILLUSTRATED STORY OF STRANGE SEA CREATURES by EARLY OCEAN EXPLORERS
STRANGE SCIENCE : SEA MONSTERS : Pics and Stories link here
This is an interesting article full of pictures from the 1400's and forward. Some of the strange creatures that were drawn and written about.
One of the illustrations. Called MonkFish... Looks to me like someone tried to put people clothes on the fish. Year: 1854 by Scientist: Japetus Steenstrup, this illustration now appears in: The Search for the Giant Squid by Richard Ellis
Excerpt: In the 16th century, two naturalists, Rondelet and Pierre Belon, produced descriptions of animals they termed the Sea Monk, or monk-fish. (Historian William M. Johnson has noted that the sea monk bears a striking resemblance to Saint Francis of Assisi.) Centuries later, a very talented naturalist, Japetus Steenstrup, gave a presentation in which he compared Rondelet's illustration (on the left) and Belon's illustration (on the right) to the likeness of a squid captured in 1853. He also took into consideration a 16th-century description of the Sea Monk by Conrad Gesner. Steenstrup made an amazing deduction: "Could we, given these bits of information of how the Monk was conceived at that time, come so near to it that we could recognize to which of nature's creatures it should most probably be assigned? The Sea Monk is firstly a cephalopod."
This is an interesting article full of pictures from the 1400's and forward. Some of the strange creatures that were drawn and written about.
One of the illustrations. Called MonkFish... Looks to me like someone tried to put people clothes on the fish. Year: 1854 by Scientist: Japetus Steenstrup, this illustration now appears in: The Search for the Giant Squid by Richard EllisExcerpt: In the 16th century, two naturalists, Rondelet and Pierre Belon, produced descriptions of animals they termed the Sea Monk, or monk-fish. (Historian William M. Johnson has noted that the sea monk bears a striking resemblance to Saint Francis of Assisi.) Centuries later, a very talented naturalist, Japetus Steenstrup, gave a presentation in which he compared Rondelet's illustration (on the left) and Belon's illustration (on the right) to the likeness of a squid captured in 1853. He also took into consideration a 16th-century description of the Sea Monk by Conrad Gesner. Steenstrup made an amazing deduction: "Could we, given these bits of information of how the Monk was conceived at that time, come so near to it that we could recognize to which of nature's creatures it should most probably be assigned? The Sea Monk is firstly a cephalopod."
3/12/13
SEA MONSTERS : INTERACTIVE MAP FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
From December 2005 came the National Geographic Sea Monster interactive.
ZOMMIFY THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA MONSTER MAP link here!
Giant Squid and other Oceanic Mysteries always make me wonder if Sea Monsters were real. I was told long ago that they were put on maps not because of sightings but because of the fear sailors felt when they went into then uncharted territories of the sea. Frankly, oceanic dinosaurs wouldn't surprise me.
ZOMMIFY THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA MONSTER MAP link here!
Giant Squid and other Oceanic Mysteries always make me wonder if Sea Monsters were real. I was told long ago that they were put on maps not because of sightings but because of the fear sailors felt when they went into then uncharted territories of the sea. Frankly, oceanic dinosaurs wouldn't surprise me.
2/24/13
WHALE SHARKS MODEL WITH HUMANS
WIRED : THOUSANDS OF WHALE SHARKS PICTURES MAY HELP AT RISK SPECIES link here!
EXCERPT: "At first glance, Kristian Schmidt and Shawn Heinrichs’ photos of models swimming with whale sharks off the coast of the Philippines appear heavily Photoshopped. But while the levels and colors have been manipulated and the backgrounds tweaked, the most striking part – the models’ proximity to sharks – is real."
Siren Says: You may have seen those modeling shows where the new hopefuls have to endure set ups that are more than challenging - water sprayed in their faces while they try to look into the camera modeling eye makeup or a prop that is in the way of the runway. This modeling assignment - staying in the water while a huge whale shark swims around or with you had to be the most challenging of all.
I hope the pictures stay up on the net a while. Go there now to see them!
EXCERPT: "At first glance, Kristian Schmidt and Shawn Heinrichs’ photos of models swimming with whale sharks off the coast of the Philippines appear heavily Photoshopped. But while the levels and colors have been manipulated and the backgrounds tweaked, the most striking part – the models’ proximity to sharks – is real."
Siren Says: You may have seen those modeling shows where the new hopefuls have to endure set ups that are more than challenging - water sprayed in their faces while they try to look into the camera modeling eye makeup or a prop that is in the way of the runway. This modeling assignment - staying in the water while a huge whale shark swims around or with you had to be the most challenging of all.
I hope the pictures stay up on the net a while. Go there now to see them!
2/21/13
AQUARIUM DUMPING INTO LAKE TAHOE THREATEN ECOLOGY
YAHOO SIDESHOW: MOVE OVER JAWS link here! Video and full article.
Excerpt: "Experts believe that people dumping the contents of their aquariums into the lake is to blame for the problem. And it is a real problem. Researchers believe the large fish, which aren't native to the lake, could have a significant ecological impact, including creating a food shortage for native trout. Also a worry, according to Dr. Sudeep Chandra of the University of Nevada, is the goldfish's tendency to spur algae growth in a lake known for being crystal clear..."
Excerpt: "Experts believe that people dumping the contents of their aquariums into the lake is to blame for the problem. And it is a real problem. Researchers believe the large fish, which aren't native to the lake, could have a significant ecological impact, including creating a food shortage for native trout. Also a worry, according to Dr. Sudeep Chandra of the University of Nevada, is the goldfish's tendency to spur algae growth in a lake known for being crystal clear..."
2/20/13
DOLPHIN SUPERPOD SEEN OFF THE COAST OF SAN DIEGO
Yahoo News article and video : SAN DIEGO TOURISTS TREATED TO DOLPHIN SUPERPOD SIGHTING
THOUSANDS OF DOLPHINS ACROSS 7 MILES OF SEA!
THOUSANDS OF DOLPHINS ACROSS 7 MILES OF SEA!
2/19/13
2/11/13
FISHY VALENTINE!
This was an add on etsy, the website where people who have handmade items or vintage items put them up for sale.
It was advertised as a vintage (1950's) fabric patch for quilting.
2/9/13
2/2/13
KILLERS IN EDEN : NATURE LIBRARY FILM
Wow! I've been blogging about the ocean environment and all it's creatures, changes in sea levels, mysterious things under the sea, as well as surfers, scientists, pirates and mermaids, for four years! It seems that there is always some news that applies to this blog, and I hope that you are inspired to exercize your own research skills as well!
To celebrate I watched a DVD put out by WNET New York, in the NATURE LIBRARY, called KILLERS IN EDEN. This is not your average story about Killer Whales. This is about a small town on the coast of Australia where, for a hundred years, there was a deal between certain humans and the Killer Whales. They helped each other hunt, but with one detail. When a Team of Killer Whales preyed upon the planton eaching baleen whales that came into the bay at Eden, they would make a ruckus by smacking their tales on the water and then WAIT until the humans came to kill. Then the humans would provide the whates with the delicacy of THE TOUNGE of the baleen whale as a reward. The humans came to know the Killer Whales by name...
How mysterious! So Interesting!
To celebrate I watched a DVD put out by WNET New York, in the NATURE LIBRARY, called KILLERS IN EDEN. This is not your average story about Killer Whales. This is about a small town on the coast of Australia where, for a hundred years, there was a deal between certain humans and the Killer Whales. They helped each other hunt, but with one detail. When a Team of Killer Whales preyed upon the planton eaching baleen whales that came into the bay at Eden, they would make a ruckus by smacking their tales on the water and then WAIT until the humans came to kill. Then the humans would provide the whates with the delicacy of THE TOUNGE of the baleen whale as a reward. The humans came to know the Killer Whales by name...
How mysterious! So Interesting!
4TH ANNIVERSARY OF SIRENS LINK TO SEA
Anniversary!
Four years of learning, expanding awareness...
Thanks for reading!
Four years of learning, expanding awareness...
Thanks for reading!
1/26/13
BBC EARTH'S OCEAN GIANTS : TERRIFIC! FILM OH MY GOSH!
I borrowed this set from the library, but I want my own! This two DVD set had the most thrilling exciting film of Whales (all kinds - Killer Whales, Blue Whales, etc) and Dolphins that I have ever seen!
We want to save the whales, that is true, but we do need to understand that they are creatures like no other and not all docile. In this film we get to see the way Killer Whales work together to kill prey. We learn that male dolphins swim in packs / gangs and compete for a young female's interest. Some of what we get to watch was a first for the scientists and photographers involved too!
This DVD just came out in 2012 so rush to get it! Honestly! Luckily I found a couple YouTube videos from the program for you to watch! But then - I tried - something was wrong and they would not embed. One of them is called Whale Wars - Ocean Giants - BBC ONE
We want to save the whales, that is true, but we do need to understand that they are creatures like no other and not all docile. In this film we get to see the way Killer Whales work together to kill prey. We learn that male dolphins swim in packs / gangs and compete for a young female's interest. Some of what we get to watch was a first for the scientists and photographers involved too!
This DVD just came out in 2012 so rush to get it! Honestly! Luckily I found a couple YouTube videos from the program for you to watch! But then - I tried - something was wrong and they would not embed. One of them is called Whale Wars - Ocean Giants - BBC ONE
1/24/13
TOO MANY JELLY FISH?
I've been reading that there is a JELLY FISH AROUND THE WORLD AND THAT IT'S GLOBAL! While scientists seem to be not worried, I can't help but wonder how or if this ties in with all the changes in the earth's temperature that is melting ice packs and changing the weather. Be the changes part of a natural cycle, the earth responding to human use of resources, or something more mysterious, I hope to learn more soon!
1/14/13
GIANT SQUID NEWS! DISCOVER CHANNEL!
On January 9th the breaking news was about a giant (very old)squid, said to be 9 or 10 feet in length, which was videoed.
NPR: FOOTAGE OF GIANT SQUID A REAL TEASER!
NPR: FOOTAGE OF GIANT SQUID A REAL TEASER!
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