Shore Buddies webblog
Wisdom Wednesday | Seagulls
Aside from their eating habits, seagulls possess other unique characteristics different from many animals, including the ability to drink both fresh water and saltwater. They even have a superpower-like ability to hover over bridges and absorb energy from the heat of paved roadways!
Ocean non-profit rescinds ocean plastics report from 2015 that falsely blames Asian countries only
Ocean non-profit organization Ocean Conservancy rescinds ocean plastics report from 2015 that falsely blames Asian countries only for Ocean Plastic Pollution
The group now says that report unfairly placed blame on Asian countries and was wrong to promote incineration as a waste disposal option.
Unless we initiate a generational change in the way we consume and treat plastics, we won't stand a chance to turn the tide around. While cleaning efforts are great, we need to stop the flow first. Every year of 8 Billion tonnes of plastic still find their way into our oceans. It's time to turn off that tab.
Wisdom Wednesday | Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber
Tiger Tail Sea Cucumbers are the largest sea cucumber in the Western Atlantic. They feed on algae and detritus. Juveniles often mimic sea slugs by crawling around on the bottom slowly filtering sand through their tentacles to gather food. Once older, they can spread their tentacles above them to capture plankton. A number of sea cucumbers feed nocturnally while others feed by day. Sea cucumbers often attract hitch-hikers like shrimps and crabs that crawl over their skin. As a means of defence sea cucumbers can expel their intestines or respiratory organs in the form of sticky threads, but these can quickly regenerate
Wisdom Wednesday | Picasso Triggerfish
“While the fish in this photo appears to be sitting there allowing me to take his photo it was quite the contrary. He came up at me from the sandy bottom with such intent and speed that I couldn't believe I managed to get him in the frame, let alone having him and is grumpy face in focus!” Picasso Triggerfish vocalizes using a "grunting" sound.
Wisdom Wednesday | Leopard Sharks
Living up to about 30 years, leopard sharks can be found in shallow muddy waters, particularly Northern California. Often times they are preyed upon by larger sharks, like the Great White, but they themselves eat relatively small animals like worms, crabs, octopus, and fish. Branching off from a species of houndshark in the Triakidae family, adult leopard sharks can grow up to 6 feet long, but typically average at about 5 feet.
Finn and Sammy’s Preach to Keep Our Oceans Clean
While we are surely gloriously riding the wave of sweet summertime, it is no surprise to us that we are experiencing some unintended consequences in our oceans which are all a bit too familiar.
Weekly Newsletter | Finn the Dolphin
It is Finn the dolphin here this week, coming to you live from our bright blue sea. I haven’t checked in with you all lately, but lately in my life I have been enjoying the heat of summer. The extra hot air has made the ocean of ours extra refreshing. I’ve been playing with all my other aquatic brothers and sisters, however, we have been running into some problems out in the blue.
Weekly Newsletter | Sammy the Seal
Remember that together, all of us can make a difference. Check out a Sammy the Seal toy or Keychain this week and get 15% off your purchase! AND, remember, with the purchase of any and every Shore Buddies, $1 goes to the Ocean. Now that is fun!
Wisdom Wednesday | Manatees
Manatees are more closely related to the elephant than they are to other marine creatures. The cow-like creatures are thought to have inspired mermaid legends. Manatees typically come up for air every 5 minutes. However, when it is resting, the aquatic mammal can hold its breath for up to 20 minutes. Manatees swim at an average of 5 miles an hour, which is why algae and barnacles can often be found on the backs of manatees. Manatees don’t have the neck vertebra that most other mammals have, meaning that they must turn their entire bodies if they want to look around.
Wisdom Wednesday | Sandbars
Barrier bars or beaches are exposed sandbars that may have formed during the period of high-water level of a storm or during the high-tide season. During a period of lower mean sea level they become emergent and are built up by swash and wind-carried sand; this causes them to remain exposed. Barrier bars are separated from beaches by shallow lagoons and cut the beach off from the open sea.
Wisdom Wednesday | Lionfish
They have feathery pectoral fins that are used to attract smaller prey. On the other hand, same features keep the predators on the safe distance. Lionfish has more than thirteen (up to 18) venomous spines on the back side of the body. Venom is used only for self-defense (lionfish does not hunt using these spikes). Lionfish is a carnivore (meat-eater). It eats various types of fish and crustaceans. They often hunt as an ambush predator (using the factor of surprise). The large mouth of lionfish allows swallowing of the prey in a single bite. They can survive from 5 to 15 years as a diurnal animal (active during the day).
Wisdom Wednesday | Hairy Frogfish
Despite having a hairy appearance, the “hairs” of a Hairy Frogfish are actually skin appendages or spinules which cover the frogfish’s body, head and fins. These spinules can be copious and long or very short or even almost invisible. Hairy frogfish are extremely good at hiding in plain sight and are able to change their color to match their surroundings.
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