After a number of days of ocean exploration and technological seclusion  along the Mendocino coast, I returned to find myself once again shaking my head in disgust.  Good guess, but it’s not about the current environmental calamity in the Gulf but an ocean tragedy that has perpetuated for decades in the name of entertainment.   My disdain for the practice of keeping incredibly intelligent creatures confined in tanks that are the epitome of ‘small’ just keeps growing with each instance that makes its way to the surface.

I first discussed this topic on April 23, 2009 in the post “Ocean-going Genus,” and I am wondering when society will see the light.  Apparently not soon enough as it was not all that long ago when a trainer was killed by a captive orca.  And on July 4th the latest captive marine mammal mishap occurred in Japan (Okinawa) and just so happened to be captured  on a series of videos. 

According to the Associated Press, “The startling footage of the dolphin, a species known as the false killer whale, shows the animal suddenly leaping out of a tank during a July 4 marine show at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, in southwestern Japan. An American tourist who was among the spectators shot the footage and sent it to Ric O’Barry.  O’Barry, 70, a former trainer for the “Flipper” TV show who now makes a career out of setting the animals free, made the videos available to The Associated Press.

O’Barry says the videos show a dolphin under stress.  “The habitat of that false killer whale is so unnatural it leaped out in desperation,” he said in a telephone interview from Florida. “It wanted to end it. Why does a person jump out of a building?”

Every documentary I have seen shows nothing less than incredible intelligence as members of a pod utilize teamwork to raise their young and ensure the survival of the group. Plus, most ironically, these are the same characteristics that trainers pass along to cheering crowds as if morality dictates 5 tons of sophisticated ocean-going genius must be confined within concrete walls and rollercoaster backdrops solely for our entertainment.  Yes, I see the Victorian era pseudoscience logic (i.e. money), but shouldn’t we officially abandon a thought process that exterminated the great auk?  Scott Artis on captive orcas (Ocean-going Genus)

I’m not here to pretend that I know or debate the reason why the false killer whale leaped from the tank, but I am steadfast in my belief that the practice of keeping marine mammals in captivity is undoubtedly cruel.  We might be able to meet their physical requirements and sustain life, but we are not at all prepared, informed, or capable of feeding their mental and social needs.  So until Dr. Doolittle gives me a transcript of his one-on-one conversations with captive orcas, false killer whales, etc., I will err on the side of caution that O’Barry’s reasoning makes perfect sense; for humanity’s sake.

Here are a couple of very short clips of an octopus that I encountered in Hawaii.  And I think they showcase the amazing capabilities of this incredible marine species in regards to changing color.

It’s absolutely appalling that I do not have something pithy or uplifting prepared for World Oceans Day 2010.  Perhaps a scathing attack on the comedy of errors that has been allowed to continue in the gulf would be a nice addition considering today is a celebration of our planet’s oceans.  But even that is conspicuously absent due to my recent schedule.  However, I just couldn’t let the day slip by so I’ll let Oceana speak from the pulpit on my behalf.  And let’s work together to get ocean responsible.

Oh and one more thing…FIX THE DAMN LEAK!  Quit with the television propaganda and just do it!

Ever heard of an Anchialine (‘near the sea’) Pond ? Well neither had I until I stumbled upon a series of these pools adorning the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.  While following the convex nature of the coastline from Waiulua Bay to Anaehoomalu Bay, my eyes managed to wander from the crashing waves just in time to catch a placard telling passersby to refrain from disturbing sensitive habitat.  Of course I was curious and so I left the coral beach, stepped onto the tree-shaded dirt path and peered across lava beds that were cupping crystal clear waters.  But that is an understatement as far as  a description goes because the waters bristled with life, colorful algae coated the water covered rocks and birds waded in the waters and disappeared behind once molten rock.

I was really anxious to get a closer look and for a split second even contemplated a quick inspection, but that sign flickered in my head and I knew I had to keep a responsible distance; practice what I preach whether I liked it or not.  But it did not take long to discern a path made for human travelers had been installed and provided ample space for observation.  This was virgin territory, for me anyways, and I quickly managed to forget all the signs that indicated people had come and gone before…my expedition was underway.   I traversed the well groomed path and wondered whether they were fresh or salt or brackish water ponds.  I had hypotheses for each scenario, which was extended to include a reason for the presence of an incredible amount of small fish schooling in the variety of pools ranging from the scientific units of very small to quite large.  But I began to realize their salty nature after spotting the presence of a small surgeonfish swimming amongst the other gilled residents.  Besides fish, the ponds are home for algae, plants, shrimp, snails, insects and provide foraging sites for birds.

Alas, a sign describing yet another Hawaiian treasure identified the name of my latest discovery.  And before I provide additional verbiage and photos, I should mention that I was brought back to reality as the path ultimately ended amongst the streets of civilization. An adventure none the less.

“Anchialine ponds are one of Hawaii’s most threatened ecosystems. There are about 700 known anchialine ponds in Hawai’i. Most Hawaiian anchialine ponds are in the youngest lava areas of the Big Island of Hawai’i and Maui. They exist in inland lava depressions near the shore and contain brackish (a mixture of freshwater and saltwater) water. Freshwater is fed to the ponds from ground water that moves down slope and from rainwater. Ocean water seeps into the ponds through underground crevices in the surrounding lava rock.”  University of Hawaii at Hilo

According to the signs on site, “Tiny red shrimp, collectively called ‘Opae’ula, are one of the unique features of these anchialine pools and are found only in Hawaii.  The shrimp are omnivorous and can live for long periods of time underground in the interstitial groundwater without appearing in the pools.  The shrimp have been found in wells located a mile inland.  The smaller and more numerous shrimp (Halocaridina rubra) is preyed upon by a larger red shrimp (Matabetaeus lohena).”

Having trouble getting a perspective on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf coast?  Well, Paul Rademacher developed a unique utility that works with Google Earth to overlay the size of the spill as it appeared on May 6th with well-known geographical locations…and customizable to include your own hometown.

As I just returned from the Big Island of Hawaii, I thought it appropriate to share a screenshot of just how bad the problem was last week.   

And if you’re interested in keeping track of the devastation as it continues to grow and consume the marine ecosystem, PBS has created a widget displaying how much oil has leaked and how much continues to flow into the Gulf of Mexico . Unfortunately a mere widget does not do justice to this ecological disaster.

Oil and water don’t mix.  Do I really need to say more?