WaterNotes

Over the years I’ve heard, and even shared, many theories and points of conjecture to explain the ubiquitous question about hammerhead sharks: what in the name of Poseidon is that headshape for? Some of the more interesting of the swirling theories included: Increased surface area for sensory organs and enhanced ability to interpret, understand, and [...]

It was well over a year ago when I first saw National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen’s dramatic images of leopard seals, narwhals, and polar bears in their native Arctic and Antarctic environments in a quick spread of NatGeo magazine. Well, along with the release of his new book Polar Obsession, Nicklen’s camp released the above [...]

Vancouver Aquarium welcomed a little female beluga to their pod back in June of this year and now they’re ready to name the toddler. In keeping with traditions at many marine centers and zoos, they’ve opened up a contest to their guests and supporters to come up with a great name. Although, in keeping with [...]

Clearwater Marine Aquarium‘s rescued superstar bottlenose dolphin Winter now has her own children’s book. Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again launched today, written by the Hatkoff’s who brought us the adorable Owen & Mzee story I’ve used in several zoo classroom environments. Winter was brought in by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and [...]

Get This Widget!TOPP.org I’ve been following the Tagging of Pacific Predators project for months. The project’s scope continues to expand and their species pages list many ambitious “coming soon” tags for all manner of mammals, reptile, and fishy predators that lurk in the brine. Imagine my surprise then when it was Sea Notes that brought [...]

The summer rush of camp season is officially over here in Florida. The kids return to school, in most counties, this coming Monday. I’m taking the weekend to think back on the last three months of life. Environmental education doesn’t get much of a spotlight throughout the usual school year curriculum – part of the [...]

To all the fathers out there who brave hurricane force winds, sub-zero temperatures, months of starvation, and the rigors of courtship just to raise a family – or would if they were emperor penguins – Happy Father’s Day! Not every mammal is so lucky to have the two-parent system we humans enjoy.