Author Archives: oceanlifeeducation

Shark Soup

They are possibly the most misunderstood of all the sea creatures – apex predators capable of inspiring both fear and fascination in equal measure.  But far from being the killing machines portrayed in the movies, most sharks are more at risk from us than we are from them.

Of the almost 400 species identified, only a dozen or so are considered dangerous to humans. We’re certainly not their preferred diet, but we can easily be mistaken for more tasty morsels such as seals.   Statistically, we’re more likely to be killed by a rogue champagne cork than a shark.   On average only 5 people are taken every year, whereas humans slaughter 100 million sharks annually, causing all sorts of problems.

Sharks are a natural part of the marine ecosystem.  From their perch on top of the food chain, they help to maintain a balance in our oceans, preventing smaller species from overpopulating, which can then cause a ripple effect, threatening our delicate coral reefs.

And most of the time we don’t even know they are there.  More often than not, sharks will actively try to avoid us when we venture into their territory.  And while they populate the shoreline all around the Australian coast, Queensland numbers tend to increase in the winter months when their food sources move into the warmer waters.

They may not be as extrovert as the humpback whales, but grey nurse sharks cause just as much excitement amongst scientists. It’s estimated only 1500 of these animals still live off the East Coast of Australia giving them the unenviable status of critically endangered.

Part of the problem with the grey nurse sharks is they look fairly fearsome while remaining relatively sedate underwater – they’re often referred to as the Labradors of the sea due to their docile nature. But this has also made them easy targets for fishermen, with the grey nurse often snagged on hooks as they take up the offer of an easy feed.  Added to which they are slow to mature and reproduce few young.  While they are protected, it doesn’t stop accidental death at the hands of humans.

But marine biologists are studying the grey nurse and trying to figure out ways to help them to repopulate including banning fishing in areas they are known to congregate.  Ocean Life Education’s Shark Discovery program looks at the issues facing endangered species like the grey nurse and tries to separate fact from fiction to make us finally appreciate that the greatest threat in the ocean is not from sharks but humans.

Humpback Heaven

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Most marine creatures that pass our coast prefer to go un-noticed – but not the humpbacks.  These massive mammals like to announce their presence with spectacular displays that still leave scientists guessing as to why.

Certainly whales need to surface to breathe – their huge exhalations rising metres into the air after 20 minutes of down time underwater.  But the humpbacks have turned airtime into an artform.  Giant pectoral fin slaps, tail splashes and spy hops (poking their head out to look for an appreciative crowd) are just the precursor to the main event.

Full body breaches are the show stopper for any whale watcher.  And the degree of difficulty needs to be fully appreciated.  An adult can easily measure 16 metres and weigh up to 30 tonnes and to launch something of that size out of the water (often time and time again) is nothing short of astounding.

But to what end?  It’s not a way to flee predators or to capture food – humpbacks are on an enforced diet during their time away from Antarctica – their preferred menu of krill remains in the icy waters while the whales make their annual pilgrimage to mate and calve in the warmer region of the Pacific.

The most plausible theories to explain the unusual antics are guesses at best.  One thought is the breaches and slaps are a form of communication – a way to let other humpbacks in the vicinity know where they’re at.  Another is it signifies a change in behaviour – when a whale is going for rest mode to more active travelling – like a giant stretch as they wake themselves up.

But many believe they just do it because they can.  Humpbacks are known to be curious, intelligent animals and like most mammals they are capable of having fun. They leap for joy simply because it feels good.

In the past, this playfulness has contributed to their demise, with the species almost hunted to extinction in the early part of the 20th century as they were easy prey to spy.  Today the biggest threats are net entanglements and strikes from over zealous boaties wanting to get as close as possible to these magnificent creatures.

But we all play our part – with Plastic Free July upon us, it is the perfect opportunity to consider our impact on the ocean and the quality of the water the humpbacks and so many other marine creatures swim through.  Don’t be fooled by their size and energy, these really are our most vulnerable visitors and the southerners we want to keep returning for many years to come.

Saving Our Seas

save our seasAs World Ocean Day approaches, it’s timely do a health check on the biggest part of our planet – and the prognosis isn’t promising. It’s estimated there are 5 and a quarter TRILLION pieces of plastic in our waterways – or put simply 15 grocery bags of garbage for every metre of coastline in the world! Take a moment to consider that – enough rubbish to completely cover the shoreline of our planet, several times over.

Even more frightening is the prediction that the volume of plastic will out-weigh fish in our seas in the next 30 years – is this the legacy we want to leave our children? It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the problem, but it is possible to turn the tide on plastic waste, one piece at a time.

Education is a big part of the solution – making the connection between rubbish on the ground and the state of our oceans. Wind and rain carry plastic bags, lids, straws and packaging into rivers and our drainage system, sending them on a one way journey to the sea. We don’t have to live within coo-ee of the coast to be making the situation worse.

Removing rubbish from public areas is certainly a step in the right direction but long term, we need to change our disposable lifestyle. Convenience has cost our planet dearly and while re-usable requires more planning, effort, and often expense, can we really afford not to?

The ocean produces more than 70% of the oxygen we breath and absorbs carbon dioxide to help keep the planet healthy. At Ocean Life Education we make it our mission to help the youngest members of community understand and respect our oceans by connecting with our ocean ambassadors. Older children have the opportunity to study the ocean environment in more depth in our Marine Biologist for a Day programs.

We are always blown away by the passion and dedication of many of our younger generation towards marine conservation – but to really make a difference, we all have to get on board with the need to save our seas.

 

Hands On Holiday Learning

20161113_095649_resized_646x363Ever wondered how many teeth a shark has?  How long sea cucumbers live for?  Which animal throws its stomach out through its mouth to eat?  Ocean Life Education’s Marine Biologist for a Day Program is designed for children with a curiosity about the marine environment and all the animals who live in it.

This program delves well below the surface to provide kids with an in-depth knowledge about sea creatures and clears up some common misconceptions about the ocean’s much maligned apex predator.

Director of Education, Richard Coward, says sharks are always a popular topic on the day.

“So much of what we think we know about sharks comes from movies like Jaws and most of it is incorrect.  Sharks are not attracted by human blood and we’re not on their preferred menu.”

As part of the hands on nature of the program, children get to touch different shark jaws, learning about the shape of their teeth and why they vary so much between species.

An essential part of the learning process is making sure the information is delivered in a fun and tactile way.

While meeting Rainbow, the freshwater turtle, children discover how simple pollutants such as plastic bags are proving fatal to sea turtles. They learn how the reptile’s digestive system prevents rubbish, mistaken as food, from being regurgitated.

For Richard this environmental message is a key point he wants to get across in the program. “We treat the ocean likes it’s invincible but it’s not.  Every little thing that ends up in the sea has the potential to make animals sick – and if they start to die off, the impact on humans is huge as well. Making that connection between sea and land is vital for the planet’s future.”

While stroking sea stars, handling sawfish rostrums and observing a baby shark from close quarters, the children absorb a huge amount of interesting facts, which they share with their parents in a presentation at the end of the day.

Marine Biologist for the Day is a unique program run by Ocean Life Education during school holidays on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It’s suitable for 7-12 years olds and is ideal for anyone with a passion for the ocean and a desire to make a difference to the lives of sea creatures.

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