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Negative Impacts
Negative Impacts
The Cuvier's beaked whale highlights two forms of Negative Impact: Plastic and Sonar and Military
While widely distributed worldwide, the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is Vulnerable in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for scratch markings along its sides and for diving very deep to hunt for food and is usually not seen near the coast. To find food in the deep and dark depths, this whale holds it’s breath for two hours and uses echolocation, emitting sounds and then listening for their echo. It sucks in fish and squid, unfortunately also swallowing plastic. This species, that can grow up to 7 meters long and weigh up to 2500kg, cannot separate food from plastic and is an indicator for scientist of plastic pollution at depth.
This DW News report shows how one whale's death raised awareness about the plastic problem and led to community based clean-up effort, link.
Sky News reported on the success of a Norway Nationwide effort to clean up beaches that has had positive results, link. All this started after the discovery of a Cuvier's beaked whale in Norway that had plastic in it's stomach. While plastic was already a problem here, the media coverage due to the "Plastic Whale" helped to raise awareness and led to an increase in volunteers and plastic recovered.
Positive Impacts with Carolyn
Positive Impacts with Carolyn
Carolyn Berger is a hard working Educator that has dedicated her adult life to making a difference for the ocean. She studied Global Environmental Sciences and Political Science at the University of Hawaii, and then went on to do her Graduate Studies on Ocean Sciences at the University of California - Santa Cruz. She did intense reserach for several years and then moved to Italy where she worked in nautical tourism prior to helping create the MuMa Milazzo Sea Museum with Carmelo Isgrò, where she is currently the Vice-Director and Education Director. In addition she works at an International school in Rome and is a Scientix Ambassador. She is very passionate about guiding others in their learning, in particular when it is about Ocean Literacy!
Watch the author to learn more about what she has done to make a difference for our ocean, link.
Summary: We've learned about Cuvier's beaked whales, plastic and sonar, as well as positive ways we can make a difference.
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