Hey, welcome to the complete list of Everblue's research summaries and tip posts for the month of May! Be sure to check back in each week for the newest research drops.
MAY 2 RESEARCH: SERVICES FROM THE SEA
It’s easy to see how the ocean takes care of us - think about how much tourism the ocean brings to coastal towns, how coral reefs and marshes calm offshore storms, and how peaceful you feel standing next to the sea and breathing in salty air. But did you know there’s a type of research science that seeks to measure those benefits?
This unique type of science is called “ecosystem services,” and researchers who study it use mathematical models and measurements to try to determine a number for what the ocean actually gives us (most services are measured in $$$, but others are measured in fish numbers, tourism impacts, and more!)
This research paper also focuses on ecosystem DISservices - how coral reefs can take away from benefits to humans. Some disservices include litter that gets captured on reefs and the impacts of invasive fish. Studying the balance of ecosystem SERVICES and DISSERVICES can help scientists better manage the ocean areas we live next to and benefit from!
This study specifically focuses on the island of Tobago. Check out our infographic to see how different coral reef ecosystem services and disservices interact around this island nation!
RESEARCH PAPER: Hydro-morphological characteristics provide insights into coral reef services and disservices. Alemu I et al. 2021.
MAY 27 RESEARCH: SOMETHING FISHY
Ocean conservation can be a difficult topic to discuss; we often leave younger people out of these conversations completely, which doesn’t teach children to care for the ocean or its problems. In this study, a NOAA-supported program called “Something Very Fishy” (SVF) was implemented in select schools to teach elementary children about ocean conservation, and observe how it affected their actions.
The results showed increased interest in scientific careers, better understanding of climate change and ocean conservation, but did little to affect their actions outside of the classroom. However, graduate students and teachers involved in these SVF classes did mention an increased desire to communicate more about ocean conservation to future classes.
RESEARCH PAPER: Something very fishy: An informal STEAM project making a case for ocean conservation and climate change. Tallapragada et al. April 2021.
MAY 28 SUSTAINABILITY TIP: TALKING TO TODDLERS
To ensure a bluer future for our oceans, we have to foster a sense of care in younger generations. Don’t shy away from talking to toddlers and elementary-age kids about the ocean. Be honest about the seriousness of climate change and other problems the ocean faces - and lead by example! Toddler see, toddler do. If we teach kids how to care for the ocean, then we won’t have to burden them with fixing things when they grow up.
Talking about the ocean is so easy because it’s so beautiful, exciting, and easy to love - just look at how children love Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, and Moana! You can use fun cartoons like these or informational childrens’ programs on the ocean to start conversations with children in your life about the sea.
You can also navigate over to the “education” tab on the Everblue webpage to take a look at our free educational resources! All of the lesson plans are available as downloadable PDFs and have options for accessibility, and cover all sorts of brand-new research topics. Lessons include fun games, coloring activities, and at-home science fun you can try. Let us know if you try the lessons and what you think about them by shooting us an email at keeptheoceaneverblue@gmail.com or a DM @oceaneverblue!