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Issue 28 - August 2017

California Marine Science Educators Visit Cuba

By Mark Friedman, a marine science educator with the San Pedro LA Maritime Institute, and organizer of the marine science educators’ group to Cuba.

A group of marine science educators from California visited Cuba early May to begin information exchange and collaboration with Cuban marine scientists and educators.

 

Members included George Matsumoto, education director for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI); Ann Close, USC Wrigley Marine Science Center; Joe Levine, co-author of the preeminent US high school biology textbook. Teachers from middle and high schools and environmentalists also participated.

The idea for the tour began when Science magazine published several articles on the efforts by the Cuban people, extending over 50 years to preserve their coral reefs.  Cuba’s coral reefs, it’s offshore archipelago (Jardin de la Reina) and Zapata Peninsula (largest mangrove in the region) are kept some of the most pristine in the Caribbean by preventing overfishing, pollution and enforcing strict environmental regulations.  Protecting native (endemic) species has been a goal of the Cuban people since the revolution began and Fidel Castro led the July 26 movement in mountainous and city battles against the US supported dictator Batista.

The tour began with the delegation participating in the Mayday parade, celebrating workers’ rights, Cuba’s internationalism and socialism, to end the U.S blockade of Cuba, return the US Guantanamo military base to the Cuba, solidarity with Venezuela –against US destabilization efforts, the legacy of Fidel Castro and Ché Guevara (50th anniversary of his assassination by the CIA in Bolivia). We marched with millions of Cuban workers, farmers and youth in contingents from schools, hospitals, factories and other international guests.

Most interesting where our conversations with Cuban international medical volunteers who freely treated patients in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Arab East; especially areas without doctors, electricity, running water or a health care system we take for granted here (despite new efforts by Washington to curtail coverage and cut Medicaid) or the advanced Cuban health care network.

We met with leaders of the Cuban National Aquarium (Acuario Nacional). Nearly 1 million Cubans visit this aquarium yearly. While not as flashy as the Aquarium of the Pacific (more like Cabrillo Aquarium), of unique interest are their innovative programs specially designed for autistic and Down’s syndrome children and those with cancer which to my knowledge are non-existent in our local aquaria.  This included hundreds of Russian children (with their parents) in Cuba for free medical care after their exposure to radiation poisoning at Chernobyl after the nuclear plant meltdown.

The aquarium has decades-long research associated with their coral reefs, animal husbandry, ocean acidification, coral bleaching and preservation of endangered species. They also face the Caribbean-wide problem of invasive lionfish. With government support they have developed sustainable aquaculture of shrimp and lobster.

Our tour was organized by the International Committee of Friendship with the People (ICAP) under the education category, one of 12 the US government permits.  The loosening of the travel ban is positive but the blockade is still in effect and the US still occupies Cuban soil with it’s military base at Guantánamo. 

Our objective was to learn how they have remarkably preserved their coral reefs. Worldwide, coral reefs are in rapid decline as water temperature rises; ecosystems change, diseases spread because organisms have less resiliency.  Organisms that can move, migrate, others like corals, expel their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae (coral bleaching) which produce oxygen and food for the living coral.  Unless conditions rapidly change and these algae are reintegrated, the corals die.  Coral reefs are critical for many fisheries (types of fish) consumed by humans and provide safe breeding grounds.

As George Matsumoto from MBARI commented in a report after snorkeling in Caleta Buena: “The water and the life within were so far beyond anything that I had expected. No evidence of bleaching, no evidence of marine algae taking over. Healthy corals, healthy sponges, diverse fish population, and on our way back into the lagoon – the largest school of fish that I have ever encountered! A remarkable and uplifting morning to see the healthy ecosystem.”

A recent meeting of the National Council of Ministers approved a State Plan to tackle global climate change, which according to Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya, minister of Science, Technology and Environment, “is worsening and will exacerbate environmental problems, making it a crucial factor for sustainable development.” “…a series of measures geared toward reducing the impact of natural weather events on vulnerable zones, such as prohibiting the construction of new homes in coastal settlements and reducing areas used for cultivation located close to the coast or to zones damaged by seawater intrusion into fresh water aquifers.”

There are 11 key objectives, including ensuring the availability and efficient use of water in order to mitigate drought; guarantee maximum protection of soil and water through reforestation efforts; rehabilitate, conserve and prevent the deterioration of coral reefs; as well as implementing other measures through programs, plans, and projects linked to renewable energy, energy efficiency, food security, health, and tourism.  (a plan that maybe Washington should implement- MF)

AMISTUR, the Cuban travel agency, organized a very efficient tour at a reasonable price.  We stayed in people’s houses called Casas Particulares, which enabled us to experience daily life, the pluses and minuses.  We traveled in a new comfortable van, with driver and bi-lingual tour guide. We ate too well! This was not always the case for Cubans nor visitors.

Cuba is rebounding from an economic crisis during the 1990 ’s stemming from the collapse of the Soviet Union and loss of 85% of foreign trade, when Cuba entered a special period.  Cubans lost weight due to reduced food imports, but their healthcare and right to free education, their international support missions to Africa and elsewhere did not falter.

The 50-year on-going blockade by the United States, is a reactionary measure hurting the Cuban people to be sure, but has also hurt Americans by preventing us from learning, discovering, and understanding Cuban culture, international missions and goals of their socialist society.

With aquaria and marine science centers across the state, delegation members are organizing a reciprocal tour of Cuban marine scientists / educators throughout California. If you would like to help, please contact: Marklewisfriedman@gmail.com

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Issue 28 - August 2017

Issue 28: August 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Letter from the Editor. …we are going to take a deeper look into what we need to do to inspire and train the next generation of ocean and environmental leaders…

 

 2. California Marine Science Educators Visit Cuba. A group of marine science educators from California visited Cuba early May to begin information exchange and collaboration with Cuban marine scientists and educators.

 

 

3. Green Coconut Run explores the Pacific. …we began in the lagoon-enclosed Gambier Islands, a remote corner of French Polynesia; next…

 

4. 1 Topic, 5 Facts: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This regular feature will help acquaint you with our blue planet. 

 

 

 

5. If you value SEVENSEAS Media as a resource and as the free PR arm for everyone in marine conservation and sustainable tourism, we need your support! Learn more about how to get involved and ensure we remain a valuable resource…

 

6. FEATURE DESTINATION: The Long Tail of the People. Witness wild animals in their magnificent display and be amazed by the beautiful life the underwater world has to offer…

 

7. FEATURE DESTINATION: Swimming with Oslob Whale Sharks. There is a lot of controversy about swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob. Many divers refuse…

 

8.  FEATURE DESTINATION: Moalboal Community and Beach Clean Up. Volunteers were made up of ninety-five students from grade five, along with twelve teachers and fifteen members of Savedra staff…

 

9. FEATURE DESTINATION: The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE). …the largest independent non-stock non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and the marine environment in the Philippines….

 

10. FEATURE DESTINATION: Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences  advancing hope for reefs in the Philippines. Researchers return from the Philippines with new species discoveries and deeper insights into threatened coral reef ecosystems.

 

 

11. Shark Tagging Expedition to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Hailed a Success. Researchers from TMO and LAMAVE have successfully tagged nine grey reef sharks and one tiger shark with acoustic…

 

12. Katie Pumphrey Paints Her Path On The Open Water. …Pumphrey taps into her experiences in the water to paint and says that all her work is movement related. She paints hoping that a viewer will stand there a little longer to experience…

 

 

13. New Zealand from Top to Bottom. An epic 4-month road trip through one of the most diverse countries on earth…

 

14. Under the Waves with Karim Iliya: August 2017. A massive iceberg floats in a fjord off the coast of Eastern Greenland.

 

15. A true collaboration of art and science. Hello Ocean conducts first expedition exploring pressing ocean conservation topics of the Mesoamerican Reef. 

 

16. Wildscreen Exchange: August Edition. Wildscreen Exchange is a unique global hub for conservation communications. It provides… 

 

17. Fishing Nets, Bridal Veils, and Seedling Covers : The Un-Intended, but Intended Use of Mosquito Nets Aiding Ugandan Households. Imagine yourself standing in front of a beautiful lake; let’s envision Lake Victoria within Sub-Saharan Africa to simply name one… 

 

 

18. Protect your business with Green Fins. …your business directly depends on a healthy and diverse marine environment, which means that if you want to keep your business running…

  

19. OceanGate and the Cape Eleuthera Institute to Launch a Year-Long Manned Submersible Expedition in the Bahamas to Assess Sharks and Sea Life Hidden Deep in the Ocean. …the deep sea survey in October will be conducted as a series of one-day and three-day missions.

 

20. Study on sea turtle health. A scientific study on how contaminants such as mercury and natural toxins from red tide algal blooms affect sea turtles’ health. 

 

21. Shells as Religions and Spiritual Objects in Hinduism and Buddhism. Sea shells evolved more than 500 million years ago and have amazed humans since the beginning of our time…

 

 

22. New fish species in New Caledonia. The new fish, Polyipnus laruei, is named after yachters Pierre and William…

 

 

 

23. Dominique Robertson Underwater Photography. Dolores a 3 year old female pacific octopus happily chilling in her tank with a mason jar full of goodies tucked tightly under 2 of her tentacles…

 

24. What in the world is this sea creature?! A friend in Papua New Guinea was posting these photos with the hopes…

 

25. Connect with the Global Marine Community. In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resource that gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events and opportunities in ocean conservation.

 

26. New Zealand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as LT&C Exemples – Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.  …tourism can help support and sustain conservation, particularly in areas where local authorities are under resourced and financed.

 

27. Surasak Nuibut, Mountain Climber, Adventurer & Travel Photographer: Vang Vieng, Laos. The town has grown substantially due to the influx of travelers attracted by the opportunities for adventure tourism in a limestone karst landscape.

 

28. Northwest Straits Initiative Shares New Animated Short Film. Puget Sound is a living jewel that encompasses thousands of shoreline miles in Washington state and…

 

 

29. Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor? 28 Issues, readership in 174 countries, nearly 15,000 subscribers, 20,000 monthly visitors…and growing.

 

 

ECO-TRAVEL DEALS

Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry. 

1. Oceanic Society Expeditions. See this “Senegal: African Manatee and Turtle Conservation” trip plus many others in the new 2017-2018 Expeditions Catalogue. 

 

2. Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can. If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides people in small trips in Tonga…

 

3. Introducing Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico. A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.

 

 

4. Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition. Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.

 

 

 

5. Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.

 

 

 

6. SEE Turtles. …protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles.

 

 

7. Bodhi Surf & Yoga Camp. …a surf and yoga camp located in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica.

 

 

 

 

Cover photo by Didier Baertschiger. Philippines – Bohol – Chocolate Hills.
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Issue 28 - August 2017

Letter from the Editor – August 2017

Last week a colleague and I were discussing the growing need for workforce development surrounding ocean conservation. There have been a string of polls over the last few years indicating Millennials are the most environmentally conscious generation yet and as they are excelling through the workforce, they are flexing their purchasing power accordingly. Now is the time to engage and inspire an even younger generation of environmental stewards and to prepare them for a future with even narrower margins and greater threats than we see today.

While visiting Italy, one of my oldest and best friends, Pete Muller, snapped this portrait above of me during our stay in Polignano a Mare. Pete and his wife Jehan, another dear friend of mine, currently live in Kenya where they have dedicated their lives to international development, journalism, and to unearthing the the root causes of conflict in much of the world. Even though during our college years at American University, I was the “scientist” in our group, giving lessons on ecosystems or evolutionary process, we all had one common yet loosely defined goal – to better the current state of affairs in whichever corner of the planet we could have influence.

Now, I often find myself asking why did we grow up to become adults motivated more by contributing to the greater good and less by the bottom-line ? What helped us develop a worldly view at a young age? Was it walking across a polluted beach or logged forrest as a teenager and realizing the permanence of human destruction? Was it that one inspirational teacher [Hi Wendy Amo] from middle school? Was it watching David Attenborough as a child and learning the delicate balance between all living beings? Perhaps it was not any one incident but a combination of all of these experiences.

Unfortunately, since graduating college and starting my first job at Conservation International in 2004, I witnessed the rapid decline of our ocean’s health and the degradation of coastal ecosystems, and though there are countless success stories, similar can be said for many other conservation efforts. I have returned to coral reefs and within a decade and seen them transform from loud and colorful, to silent and covered in sediment and algae. So what does this portend for our human and natural future? The future is now. Every day we pass thresholds of no return all while those of us who have dedicated our lives to conservation are banging our heads against the wall as we face roadblock after roadblock on protections, access to resources, or even the basic acknowledgment that a problem exists.

In the coming months SEVENSEAS Media is going to take a deeper look into what we need to do to inspire and train the next generation of ocean and environmental leaders. If you have any input or would like to contribute thoughts or solutions towards creating an effective workforce surrounding ocean conservation and stewardship, please reach out to me. I am 35 years old and my generation was handed a bruised and battered planet from our parents. What are we going to hand to the generation of tomorrow? At a minimum let it be the tools, education, and hope they need in order to repair the mistakes of the past.

More photos by Pete Muller from our quick trip to Polignano a Mare, Italy:

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This month on SEVENSEAS Media we have some great stories coming out of the Philippines, we learn about the Green Coconut Run sailing voyage in French Polynesia, California marine science educators visit to Cuba, Hello Ocean’s expedition exploring the Mesoamerican Reef, we visit New Zealand, New Caledonia, Puget Sound, Laos, plus lots of science talk, unique eco-vacation deals, and much much more. Be sure to check out the full Table of Contents for August. If you would like to publish a story on your work, research, or organization, please see our very simple guidelines here.

At SEVENSEAS Media we work tirelessly to inspire and educate the next generation while fostering collaboration and building a close knit community between all our partners in marine conservation. We directly act as a free PR arm and fundraising tool for hundreds of organizations doing invaluable work.  At the same time, we need your support. On a shoestring budget with thousands of volunteer hours logged-in, every donation goes a long way and helps ensure we keep telling the stories of all those who need their voices to be heard. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to keep SEVENSEAS Media running through 2017 and beyond.

Encourage friends, colleagues, and classmates to like and subscribe to free products and organizations like SEVENSEAS Media. The larger our network, the stronger our conservation message, and more significant our impact.

SEVENSEAS Media is the leading free resource that promotes marine conservation through community engagement, online media, and eco-tourism, to our readers all across the globe. We ask that YOU be that inspiration for others to follow in your footsteps.

Safe travels & happy swimming,

Giacomo Abrusci, Executive Director, Editor-in-Chief

“The scope of emerging national and international ocean-related issues facing society demands that we develop broad perspectives on graduate education and training in the ocean sciences. A multifaceted ocean workforce and new kinds of intellectual partnerships are needed to address ocean science research priorities, strengthen our understanding of coupled human-natural ocean systems, engage and inform public policy and management decision making, and increase ocean literacy. Alumni from graduate programs in ocean sciences are following diverse career paths in academia, government, nongovernmental organizations, and industry, and thus can inform us about the diverse skills needed to succeed. The ocean science academic community should build on its current strengths (e.g., multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research and education, international partnerships), and capitalize on what some might view as limitations (e.g., remote, yet inviting, coastal campuses, diversity of ocean science programs), to become an incubator of innovation that will advance the field and strengthen graduate education and training. Partnerships within and among institutions with ocean-related programs, and with professional societies, employers, and others, can help us provide cutting-edge, relevant academic options, facilitate professional development, and proactively position graduates for career paths that reflect and address important societal needs.” [Schaffner, Linda C., et al. “Moving Forward: 21St Century Pathways to Strengthen the Ocean Science Workforce Through Graduate Education and Professional Development.” Oceanography, vol. 29, no. 1, 2016, pp. 36–43. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/24861946.]

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Issue 28 - August 2017

The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)

LAMAVE LOGO

The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) is the largest independent non-stock non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and the marine environment in the Philippines. We strive for conservation through scientific research, policy and education.

THE LAMAVE MISSION 

Conservation through Research and Education

Our primary objective is the conservation of marine biodiversity in the Philippines. Using proven and novel scientific data collection methods, we research the abundance and habitats of cetaceans, whale sharks, turtles, shark and rays in the Philippines.  We strive to identify imminent threats facing these species. Our local and international researchers and volunteers work closely with local governments, communities, businesses, and tourists to ensure the conservation of large marine animals through science, education, and advocacy.  The scientific data we gather is used to advise local governments on conservation policy and legislation, to counsel local and regional authorities on sustainable tourism, and to empower local stakeholders to better protect the unique biodiversity in Philippine waters.

WHY THE PHILIPPINES?

The Philippines is located in the center of the Coral Triangle, the ‘global center of marine biodiversity’, an area which is home to 1000’s of marine species especially large marine megafauna. Over 200 species of sharks and rays, 26 species of whales and dolphins, 5 species of turtles and the dugong are all found within Philippine waters. However, many of these species are now listed as threatened or endangered due to a degradation of their natural environment, unregulated fishing practices, incidental capture and pollution. 

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THE LAMAVE STORY

Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (“LAMAVE Research Institute”) was founded in 2014 by the Filipino members of the research team to develop social responsibility and build local capacity.  Before 2014, LAMAVE was a project of Physalus, a non-stock non-profit organization registered in Rome, Italy (TIN 97507360580). Today both organisations contribute to marine conservation in the Philippines. LAMAVE Research Institute collaborates with local and national authorities and works in cooperation with communities to ensure our continued conservation work in the Philippines, while through Physalus we work to raise awareness for marine conservation in Italy and empower early career researchers to build capacity and advance professionally. 

mantaray-manta-philippines-lamave

OUR TEAM

LAMAVE would be nothing without its dedicated and passionate team.  United by their drive for conservation many of our team are experts in their field, with a focus on science and communication. While LAMAVE specialises in research, all media, (including this website), was produced in house thanks to our communications team. Interested in joining the team? Click here for open vacancies.

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SEVENSEAS Media logo for marine conservation articlesCheck out more of the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here. You can take a break from your day and check out some art on the SEVENSEAS Media Gallery here. Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

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