Sharing The Ocean

February 20th was World Whale Day. We discuss this huge world challenge and the role the people of Shackleford Banks played in its 250-year story on every BWB...Repeat Excursion. Populations of the Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale are estimated to have fallen by 30 individuals since 2019, leaving only around 336 of the animals left in the world. 

This brings into discussion  other questions about  the sea life around us:

Q. Loggerhead turtles' shells provide a habitat for many kinds of organisms. How many animal and plant species have been found living on one loggerhead turtle?
A. From algae to barnacles to nematodes, colonies of small plants and animals make their home on loggerhead turtles' shells. Scientists have recorded as many as 100 species of animals and plants living on a single turtle's shell. That's one way loggerhead turtles help their ecosystem, here's another -  the way they feed on their hard-shelled prey—such as conchs, clams, and urchins as they recycle important nutrients and keep ocean floor sediments in balance.  Visit the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

Q. True or false: whale poop plays a critical role in our global climate and the air we breathe.
A. Whale poop fertilizes our oceans by providing iron and nitrogen to phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants that capture around 40% of global carbon emissions and produce half of the oxygen in our atmosphere. Put another way, that's oxygen for every second breath we take. Wherever whales are found, so are phytoplankton. Protecting whales helps protect the planet.

For those looking to do a deep-dive into whales, visit the Bonehenge Whale Center in Beaufort, NC.  H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions is proud to be in their Donor Hall of Fame for its financial contributions.  Furthermore, the NC Maritime Museum, also in Beaufort, NC features a skeleton overhead of a whale.   Captain Mark is a Friends of the Museum member.

At the end of the day, safe whale watching is up to everyone!