Issue 70 - March 2021

Birch Aquarium Celebrates Baby Weedy Seadragons’ First Birthdays

a sea dragon in an aquarium — Baby Weedy

This week marks one year since two Weedy Seadragons were hatched at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. In honor of the thriving babies, Birch Aquarium is celebrating by launching a live Seadragon Cam, hosting a Facebook Live chat with the head of the seadragon program, and launching an exclusive collection of Weedy Seadragon merchandise in a new online store.

The babies, born on February 11 and 12, were less than one-inch at birth and are now nearly 9 inches long. The births marked the first time Birch Aquarium bred Weedy Seadragons, becoming one of the few aquariums in the world to have hatched these unusual fish.

“We have been working with seadragons since 1996. Since then, we have learned so much about caring for these very fascinating fish,” said Associate Curator Leslee Matsushige, who heads the aquarium’s Seadragon Conservation Program. “It has been very exciting to have successfully hatched baby weedy seadragons and have them continuing to thrive. We look forward to watching them grow into mature adults, and join others in our collection to potentially breed and produce more baby seadragons.”

Seadragon Birthday Celebrations:

The babies have been behind-the-scenes since birth, but are now large enough to be added in with the other seadragons. They are now in the main habitat in the Seadragons & Seahorses exhibition.
Though Birch Aquarium remains closed to the public, people can now view the baby Weedy Seadragons, along with several others, live 24/7 on the brand new Seadragon Cam. Tune in to the feed, which is hosted by HDOnTap, to see how many Weedy Seadragons you can spot as they camouflage themselves in the seaweed.
- Be sure to tune in Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 2 and 3 p.m., when aquarists feed the seadragons, and they are at their most active.
On Friday, February 12 at 11 a.m., Birch Aquarium is hosting a Facebook Live chat with Associate Curator Leslee Matsushigee, who heads the aquarium’s Seadragon Conservation Program. Playfully referred to as the “mother of dragons,” Matsushige has been working with these rare fish since 1996. Join us for a 30-minute discussion about what it’s like caring for these rare creatures. Be prepared with your burning seadragon questions, as there will be a Q&A.
For the first time ever, Birch Aquarium’s Gift Shop is going digital with an exclusive capsule collection of Weedy Seadragon merchandise which will be available beginning Friday. The limited-edition items are available online only for a short period of time. Proceeds from sales support the care and conservation of Birch Aquarium’s animals, so we can continue to help fragile species like these thrive, even during these difficult times. Please SHOP HERE.

Weedy Seadragons are native to southern Australia and Birch Aquarium has had a population on display, and as part of a behind-the-scenes breeding program since 2012. The Seadragon Breeding Program was created because of the aquarium’s success in breeding other seahorse, or signathid, species. Since 1995 Birch Aquarium has bred thirteen different seahorse species, sharing more than 5,000 captive-raised seahorses with other aquariums around the world.

Once listed as “near threatened” by the IUCN, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the conservation status of Weedy Seadragons have been downgraded to “least concern” — partially because of the lack of population data. Their remote habitat along Australia’s rugged and underpopulated Southern Coast makes observation difficult. This isolation, combined with their expert camouflage, makes population counts challenging even for the most experienced seadragon-spotters.

Seadragons and seahorses face challenges in the wild: climate change, warming ocean, compromised habitats, destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling, and unsustainable collection practices for home aquariums and traditional medicine. Captive breeding programs, like that at Birch Aquarium, alleviates pressure on wild populations and contributes to Species Survival Plans (SSPs), as outlined by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Birch Aquarium remains temporarily closed to the public. For more information, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu or call 858.534.FISH. Reopening details will be announced soon.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Oceanography. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves by engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 500,000 guests as well as more than 50,000 pre-K-12 students each year. Due to Covid restrictions, Birch Aquarium is currently closed, offering a variety of virtual events and activities includingVirtual School and Youth Group Programs,Virtual After School Series,Virtual Camps,Unique Virtual Experiences andVirtual Perspectives on Ocean Science Lectures.

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Issue 70 - March 2021

SEVENSEAS Cleanup Trip at Bang Khun Thian March 14, 2021

We had been planning on this trip since January. At first, we were to take a trip to Samed Island for beach cleanup. Due to COVID-19, we had to cancel our plans from time to time. However this month, we decided to take a short trip to Bang Khun Thian for a small cleanup for SEVENSEAS.

When viewed on a map of the Bangkok special administrative area, the district of Bang Khun Thian looks like the hind legs of a leaping elephant. This flat and wet district extends from the southwest corner of the city for some 25 km, finally bumping into a four-km expanse of muddy seacoast threaded by numerous canals, seafood farms and what’s left of a once-sprawling mangrove swamp.

Anyways, we walked around the area before we decided to pick the location for our cleanup. We chose The Kham, the area, which is close to the bikeway where watery domain where houses sit up on stilts, many locals rely on boats to get around and high tide can deliver ankle-deep water several km inland. Nearly all of the coastal forest was cleared last century to make way for rectangular ponds used for farming fish and shrimp. Unfortunately, due to pollution, some of the aquaculture sites are no longer viable for seafood farming.

From afar, the area may look neat and clean but after our observation, we found out that there are many plastic bottles, snack containers, plastic bags, and glass bottles (some of them even have urine in them. Marks threw up once because he was surprised by those…), etc. We manage to pick up around 60 kilograms of all kinds of trash here. We tried to sort out what we had picked up, but unfortunately, there was not a single trash can or garbage area for us. We had to cross the street and walk to the market nearby for that.

We hoped that this COVID situation will get better soon so we could do more for our monthly cleanup events. Please support our work by making a DONATION for SEVENSEAS Media on The Ocean Foundation or join us in a future event, which we will keep you posted on our Facebook page and Weekly Newsletter.

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Issue 70 - March 2021

Whistleblower Advocates Launch GoFundMe Campaign for Fishrot Whistleblower Jóhannes Stefánsson

Poisoned whistleblower seeks medical treatment prior to testimony in corruption probe

On March 1, 2021, Whistleblowing International, ANA LOGO, and the U.S.-based Whistleblower Network News, National Whistleblower Center launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Fishrot whistleblower Jóhannes Stefánsson. Stefánsson is the former Director of Operations in Namibia for Icelandic fishing company Samherji. He worked with anti-corruption authorities and the media to expose a fishing rights bribery scheme in Namibia. Samherji CEO Thorsteinn Mar Baldvinsson is under investigation for allegedly approving bribes, estimated at $10 million, to Namibian politicians and companies to illegally obtain offshore fishing rights. Namibia’s justice and fisheries ministers resigned and were arrested on corruption charges, along with several other prominent Namibian figures. Last month, Namibian President Hage Geingob was linked to the scandal. Baldvinsson stepped aside but was later reinstated by Samherji. Multiple investigations are underway in several countries, and new revelations of criminality are still coming to light.

Since blowing the whistle, Stefánsson has faced severe retaliation. He not only lost his job but has also survived multiple attempts on his life and believes he has been poisoned. Set to return to Namibia to testify this April, Stefánsson says that he continues to pursue justice in the face of danger.

The whistleblower groups formed an international coalition to assist Stefánsson in his plight for justice and, more importantly, help him get immediately treated for poisoning. He has been unable to receive adequate poisoning treatment in Iceland and is financially unable to seek treatment internationally. Whistleblowers like Stefánsson are integral to rooting out corruption worldwide, and they need help doing it.

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Issue 70 - March 2021

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – March 2021 – Issue 70

2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition Environmental Impact, Considerations, and Outcomes

a group photo of people on a ship in Antarctica

First, we appreciate when Expedition participants are keeping their environmental footprint in mind. And yes, this Expedition does have an impact. It will realistically be at least several decades until humans are able to travel to these remote regions with zero impact – the technology (especially as it pertains to transportation) is just not 100% clean yet, unfortunately. Read more…

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Sawfish News by Tonya Wiley

Tonya grew up far from saltwater in Michigan and North Texas but developed a love for the ocean during family vacations to Florida and caught her first shark while fishing with her dad in Charlotte Harbor. Read more…

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Birch Aquarium Celebrates Baby Weedy Seadragons’ First Birthdays

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Students Invited to Enter Art Contest Focusing on “Seafarers: at the Core of Shipping’s Future”

Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the annual calendar art contest sponsored by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (CIP-OAS). The theme for this year’s contest. Read more…

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How Horseshoe Crabs have Survived for Eons in NY and NJ & Why They’re Vital to Human Health and Safety

With the worldwide race to develop and manufacture vaccines came a renewed interest in horseshoe crabs. The sea creatures, which are over 350 million years old and known as “living dinosaurs,” have been critical to the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Here’s how they have been surviving in the waters off of New York and New Jersey – and why they’re in danger. See The Video…

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Feature Destination: Take a Journey to Antarctica: 2041 ClimateForce Expedition

With the mounting call to focus on the importance of climate change dominating headlines and global policy agendas, 2021 is the ideal year for the launch of the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctica Expedition. Read more…

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Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp – Jack’s March Underwater Photograph

There’s this cognitive leap, though, that occurs for divers when they learn to find and appreciate the nudibranch. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg scenario, but this leap happens around the same time as divers learn to slow down and control their air consumption. Read more…

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What’s Happening to The Most Remote Coral Reefs on Earth?

Reefs in the Chagos Archipelago had some of the highest coral cover observed on the Global Reef Expedition.

In the middle of the Indian Ocean lies some of the last coral reef wilderness on Earth. The Chagos Archipelago, a collection of atolls, including Earth’s largest – the Great Chagos Bank– is home to reefs that have been largely undisturbed by humans for the last 50 years. Read more…

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New Books on Conservation and Protecting our Planet

These are some of the best books focusing on the conservation and preservation of public land. There is so much more to find out about America’s Water, the beauty of the Underwater World, and stories about those who dedicated their life to our planet and conservation. See more…

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Manta Rays & Whale Sharks Gain Full Protection Under New Fisheries Law in Mozambique

After 20 years of research and lobbying efforts, the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is thrilled to announce a major legislative victory for ocean life in Mozambique. A new commercial fishing law enacts sweeping protections for several threatened species, including whale sharks, manta rays, and all mobula species. Read more…

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New Research Shows Noise Pollution is Hampering Communication of a Number of Different Species

a sea bird is screaming on the beach with people in the background

Research led by Queen’s University Belfast has found that man-made noise changes the signals of animals, hampering their communication with each other. The meta-analysis study found animals exposed to human-made noise had to adjust their acoustic signals when competing for mate attraction, to repel rivals, and parent-offspring communication, all of which have a crucial role in their survival. Read more…

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Why Journey on the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition?

Journey to Antarctica with Robert Swan, one of the world’s greatest living explorers, and the first person to trek to both the North and South Poles. His experiences at the Poles allowed Robert to witness the effects of climate change firsthand and shifted his life’s purpose to working toward solutions to mitigate the greatest threat that our planet faces. Read more…

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What Does Recovery Mean for Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish?

Following the population decline of smalltooth sawfish in the United States and the 2003 listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a team was assembled to recover the population of this endangered species. But what is recovery and how do we achieve it for smalltooth sawfish? Read more…

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Embracing the Wild: Conservation on Scotland’s Isle of Islay by David Dinsley

The winter sun sits low in the January sky. A bright beam illuminates the sea before me, and a crisp intermittent breeze can be felt, reminding me it doesn’t spring yet. In the water below, an otter moves through the glare, skirting the rock edge, where land meets water. With smooth and slinking movements, it soon vanishes out of sight. Read more…

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Eye in The Sky: New NASA Satellite may Help Prevent HABs

Increasing ocean surface temperatures are contributing to more frequent harmful algal blooms (HABs) which are wreaking havoc on the blue economy. Fortunately, NASA will soon deploy a new technology that will drastically advance our ability to monitor, study, and prevent HABs, protecting both the environment and the economy. Read more…

Review Of Siam Aquarium (Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World)

Upon heading back to the Siam Aquarium at Siam Paragon Shopping Center in the heart of Bangkok, I must say I was very surprised. Obviously, an aquarium situated in the center of the busy metropolis of landlocked Bangkok would not be able to compete with other aquariums, like the Sydney Aquarium, located right on the water, but Siam Aquarium holds up. Read more…

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Are Electric Motorcycles Really Better for The Environment?

The age of the electric vehicle is truly here. Electric cars have come a long way in recent years, but are electric motorcycles growing in popularity? What is the benefit of these? Is it really any better than buying a gas motorcycle in the long-run? Read more…

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The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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