Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Marine Mammals

October 8, 2023 / activist360

A mother sperm whale and her calf off the coast of Mauritius. The calf has remoras attached to its body. Credit: Gabriel Barathieu, January 26, 2013.

Our oceans are suffering the impact of climate change. From inshore environments to the deep ocean, marine ecosystems are undergoing significant transformations due to rising temperatures, increased carbon dioxide levels, and shifting environmental conditions. This research article by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers published in PLOS ONE delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and marine mammals. The study focused on the United States’ western North Atlantic (WNA), Gulf of Mexico (GOMx), and Caribbean waters.

Drivers Impacting Marine Life

Global climate change has ushered in a multitude of alterations that stem from a handful of key drivers. Rising levels of heat and carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere are at the forefront. Here’s a closer look at the other major factors:

1. Increasing Ocean Temperatures

As the Earth’s temperature rises, so too do the temperatures of our oceans. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the western North Atlantic (WNA), where sea surface temperatures have been increasing rapidly. These rising temperatures have direct and indirect consequences for marine mammals that call these waters home.

2. Rising Sea Levels

One of the most visible effects of climate change is the rise in sea levels. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in regions like the southeastern United States, Gulf of Mexico (GOMx), and the Caribbean Sea. The accelerating sea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and the marine life they support.

3. Decreasing Dissolved Oxygen

Climate change also contributes to declining levels of dissolved oxygen in our oceans. This is a particularly alarming trend for marine mammals, as many of them rely on oxygen-rich environments to thrive.

4. Declining Sea Ice Coverage

In polar regions, the decline in sea ice coverage is a stark indicator of climate change. This has profound implications for marine mammals like polar bears and seals, which depend on sea ice as a platform for hunting and resting.

5. Ocean Acidification

The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are not only raising temperatures but also leading to ocean acidification. This can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly species with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.

6. Shifting Precipitation Patterns

Climate change also drives changes in precipitation patterns, impacting the salinity of ocean waters. These shifts can have cascading effects on marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

Impacts on Marine Mammals

The effects of climate change are not limited to the physical environment; they also dramatically affect marine communities, including marine mammals. Here are some of the key ways in which climate change impacts these majestic creatures:

1. Altered Distribution and Behavior

Marine mammal species with restricted geographical distributions and habitat tolerances are particularly vulnerable. The changing conditions of their environment leave them with limited opportunities to adapt.

2. Disrupted Prey Availability

Marine mammals rely on stable environments where prey availability is relatively predictable. Climate change can disrupt these ecosystems, leading to food scarcity and challenges in feeding.

3. Climate-Related Shifts in Distribution

Some marine mammal populations, such as ice-associated seals and subarctic cetaceans, have already shown shifts in distribution due to climate change. These changes have significant implications for their conservation and management.

4. Predictive Challenges

Predicting climate-driven changes in marine mammal distribution, phenology, and abundance is a complex task. However, advancements in modeling tools and approaches are improving our ability to make informed predictions.

Assessing Climate Vulnerability

Understanding the vulnerability of marine mammals to climate change is crucial for their conservation. Climate vulnerability assessments (CVAs) play a pivotal role in identifying species at risk. These assessments take into account factors such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.

Trait-Based CVAs

One approach to CVAs involves trait-based assessments, which consider the biological or ecological traits of species that are linked to climate responses. While this method provides less resolution than quantitative approaches, it offers a rapid and adaptable way to assess vulnerability.

NOAA’s Role in Marine Mammal Protection

In the United States, the NOAA has a mandate to protect and recover marine mammal species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). To address climate-related threats to marine mammals, NOAA conducts trait-based CVAs for stocks in the WNA, GOMx, and Caribbean waters.

Conclusion

Climate change presents a profound challenge to marine mammals in the United States’ WNA, GOMx, and Caribbean waters. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. As the world grapples with the consequences of a changing climate, it is imperative that we prioritize the conservation and protection of these incredible creatures. NOAA’s efforts, including trait-based CVAs and vulnerability rankings, provide valuable tools for understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on marine mammals.

By comprehensively assessing vulnerability and taking proactive measures, we can work towards safeguarding the future of our marine mammal populations.

Source: Lettrich, M.D. et al. (2023). Vulnerability to climate change of U.S. marine mammal stocks in western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. PLoS ONE, 18(9), e0290643.

Diverse and profound symbols of fatherhood in nature

June 18, 2023 / activist360

*Angel Oak Tree | Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash.*

Happy Father’s Day to all the nature lovers out there!

This Father’s Day we’re taking a look at the diverse and profound symbols of “fatherhood” in nature. We found several nature-related symbols embodying fatherhood across a range of cultures and species. Take a quick journey with us to learn about these symbols.

Majestic father oak

Rooted in its attributes of strength, resilience, and longevity, the oak parallels qualities traditionally associated with fatherhood. Just as a father offers protection and guidance, the oak tree’s broad branches provide shelter. Its steadfast nature implies a dependable presence. In Celtic mythology, the oak was held in high reverence as a father figure, an emblem of stability and nurturing amid life’s tumultuous storms (Markale, J. (2004). The Celts: Uncovering the Mythic and Historic Origins of Western Culture). Its acorns, seen as seeds of potential, mirror a father’s role in fostering growth and development in his offspring. This majestic oak tree’s symbolism reflects the enduring, protective, and nurturing aspects of fatherhood, celebrating its essential role in the cycle of life.

Mountain, the patriarch

Mountains, due to their imposing stature, have been perceived as paternal figures across various cultures. Mount Olympus in Greek mythology was not only home to the gods but the dwelling place of Zeus, the father of gods and men (Source: Grimal, P. (1996). The Dictionary of Classical Mythology). Native American tribes like the Sioux perceive mountains as sacred and regard them as ‘grandfathers,’ signifying wisdom and spiritual guidance (Source: Brown, J. E. (1953). The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux).

Father sun

The sun, radiant and life-giving also represents fatherhood in numerous cultures. It exemplifies power, constancy, and nurturing. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra was seen as the father of all gods, embodying warmth, life, and illumination (Source: Pinch, G. (2002). Handbook of Egyptian Mythology). Similarly, in many Native American cultures, the sun was often revered as a father figure, offering light, warmth, and growth to its children on Earth (Source: Hirschfelder, A. B., & Molin, P. F. (1992). The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions). The symbol of the father sun embodies the vital role of fathers as providers, protectors, and guiding lights in the lives of their offspring.

Lord lion

The lion serves as a powerful symbol of fatherhood. Renowned for its strength, courage, and protective instincts, the male lion’s role mirrors the archetypical father figure. It defends its pride against potential harm, embodying the protective aspect of fatherhood. The lion guides its young, teaching them essential survival skills, which encapsulates the mentoring facet of fatherhood (Source: DeMello, M. (2012). Animals and Society: An Introduction to Human-Animal Studies).

Eagle, the sire

The eagle, soaring high above the earth, represents a magnificent symbol of fatherhood in numerous cultures. Its exceptional strength, acute vision, and protective instincts correspond to the traditional roles and qualities associated with fatherhood. Among Native American cultures, the eagle, as a messenger of the Great Spirit, carries spiritual symbolism. It exemplifies wisdom, courage, and protective care – revered fatherly traits that guide and protect families (Source: Hirschfelder, A. B., & Molin, P. F. (1992). The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions). As the eagle prepares a safe nest and vigilantly guards its young, it embodies the nurturing and protective roles of a father. The soaring flight of the eagle conveys the encouragement fathers provide their children to reach great heights. The eagle’s symbolism captures the essence of fatherhood—nurturing, guiding, protecting, and inspiring the next generation.

Selfless seahorse as birthing papa

Unlike most species, it is the male seahorse that assumes the responsibility of pregnancy, challenging traditional paternal roles and symbolizing an exceptional level of paternal care and investment. This rare trait positions the seahorse as a representation of devoted fatherhood and redefines the boundaries of paternal roles within the natural world (Source: Wilson, R. A. (2010). The Labor of Words: Literary Professionalism in the Progressive Era). The male seahorse nurtures its young in its own body signifies a father’s deep commitment and selflessness, encapsulating an intimate bond with the offspring. The seahorse, in its unique biology, presents an unconventional yet compelling symbol of fatherhood, highlighting the profound nurturing, dedication, and flexibility inherent in this role.

The above examples show us that nature is rich with symbols that represent the multifaceted concept of “father.” These symbols extend from plants to celestial bodies to animals to sea life. They emphasize the qualities attributed to fatherhood—strength, protection, wisdom, and nurturing—and encapsulate the complex and universal essence of fatherhood.

Appreciating bees and their cognitive abilities

May 21, 2023 / activist360

Close-up Photo of Bee in Flower by Alexas Fotos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-bee-in-flower-2198671/ — *Close-up photo of a bee in a flower by Alexas Fotos.*

Bees are remarkable creatures that support our ecosystems. They need protection and preservation.

Cognitive ability refers to the mental processes and skills involved in acquiring, processing, storing, and applying information. The American Psychological Association defines cognitive ability as, “the skills involved in performing the tasks associated with perception, learning, memory, understanding, awareness, reasoning, judgment, intuition, and language.”

Bees, particularly honeybees (Apis mellifera), exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities. They possess intricate navigational skills, communication systems, and memory capacity. In The Dancing Bees: An Account of the Life and Senses of the Honey Bee, author Karl von Frisch delves into the complex behaviors and sensory perceptions of honeybees. Von Frisch’s research and observations shed light on the cognitive prowess of bees, including their ability to communicate through intricate dances and navigate complex landscapes using visual cues.

Bees also demonstrate impressive learning and memory capabilities. They can associate visual, olfactory, and tactile cues with rewards or punishments. Studies, such as the research conducted by Randolf Menzel and Martin Giurfa reveal that bees can learn to recognize and remember specific colors, shapes, patterns, depth, and motion contrast, among others. They exhibit a capacity for associative learning, enabling them to solve complex tasks and adapt their behavior based on past experiences. Bees also possess a centralized nervous system and a complex array of sensory receptors, suggesting a capacity for processing and integrating sensory information.

In addition, bees have shown a remarkable ability to solve problems in laboratory settings. Research by Lars Chittka demonstrates how bees can learn to use tools, such as small sticks, to access out-of-reach rewards. This behavior suggests a level of cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills beyond simple instinctual responses.

While it is challenging to measure subjective experiences in non-human animals, studies indicate that bees exhibit physiological and behavioral responses consistent with experiencing pain or distress. Research by Melissa Bateson and colleagues found that honeybees show a pessimistic bias in their decision-making after experiencing a negative event, suggesting that they could be regarded as exhibiting emotions. Sentience refers to the capacity of an organism to have subjective experiences, sensations, or conscious awareness of its own existence and in relation to the external world. It is often associated with the ability to feel pleasure or pain and have a sense of self-awareness. Since honeybees have been suggested to exhibit emotional states, this also implies that honeybees are sentient beings.

The potential sentience of bees alongside their cognitive abilities highlights the importance of preserving bee populations and their habitats for the well-being of these remarkable creatures and the ecosystems they support.