Archive for the ‘Reef Conservation’ Category
Snorkel Bob’s Attack on the Aquarium Hobby
Very recently, Robert Wintner (aka Snorkel Bob) unleashed his furry on the aquarium industry, or as he refers to it, the “Dark Hobby”. In a long-winded editorial piece published on the SeaShepherd.org website, Wintner slams the aquarium hobby, claiming it is not sustainable and has a devastating impact on wild reefs. He even makes the [...]
Coral Bleaching Video
Here’s a great video describing coral bleaching. Of course it’s a simplified description of a bleaching event, but it’s very informative. Zooxanthellae, a symbiotic algae, take up residence in a coral for protection and a place in which they can soak up sunlight for photosynthesis. In return, the coral receives vital nutrients which are needed [...]
Our Stance on Aquarium Related Regulations
I have been contacted on several different occasions regarding my stance on aquarium related regulations. Some people read a few articles, take things out of context and assume I’m in favor of one thing or another. Others take the time to email me and ask for my stance to get the truth. To clarify to [...]
China’s Grassroots Campaign Against Shark Fin Soup
Shark fin soup is considered a traditional delicacy among people living in Southeast Asia. However, many Chinese residents are beginning to see the light, and are now turning away from shark fin soup due to it’s main ingredient according to Yahoo! News. As its name would indicate, the soup is centered around shark fins, which [...]
Surfers Save Their Nemesis, a Stranded Great White Shark
There’s no doubt the great white shark is the most popular shark species among t.v. watchers. Surfers on the other hand might not feel the same way, since many surfers lose their boards, limbs, or lives to these efficient hunting machines. Despite this relationship, a surfer and another beachgoer attempted to save a stranded white [...]
Biologist in Florida Saving Species Noah’s Ark Style
Some people don’t think too much about the massive oil spill the Gulf of Mexico has recently had to endure. And there are others who take it to the other extreme and do what Florida biologist/naturalist Jack Rudloe is planning. Rudloe is fearful of the effects the oil spill will have on the animal life [...]
Spear Fishing for Mandarin Dragonettes
What could MacGyver build out of a small piece of wood, a paperclip, some fishing line, a drinking straw, and a rubberband? If you’re thinking of some type of explosive, you might be close, but that’s not quite where I’m heading with it. If MacGyver were a livestock collector from the Phillipines, he might be [...]
ORA Unleashes Blue Mandarin Onto the Public
Hot on the heals of the release of the captive-bred Spotted Mandarin, ORA is set to release their Blue Mandarin as well. The blue mandarins (Synchiropus splendidus) will be offered singly as males only, or in male/female pairs. ORA notes that the fish are reaching sexual maturity earlier than usual. This causes the females to [...]
Shark Finning Video from Blue Sphere Media
Warning: The following video contains footage of dead sharks and various shark finning practices. The video may be disturbing to some. Most video footage of shark finning is taken at the surface. We’ve all seen the huge boat with its crew dragging in both alive and dead sharks, cutting off their fins, and dumping the [...]
Oceanic Plankton in Big Decline
According to a recent Nature article, plankton levels have declined significantly over the past century. The decline over the past 50 years alone is over 40%. Phytoplankton, though extremely tiny and seemingly insignificant, play a crucial role in the ocean’s food webs. Juvenile fish, whales, filter feeding invertebrates, corals, and a whole slew of other [...]
