News and Updates
This section features stories that highlight how remarkable yet fragile the ocean is. It also speaks to the connection between humans and the ocean and our responsibility to protect it.
Stories, unless otherwise noted, are written by Pam Ferris-Olson, PhD. Pam has studied ocean creatures, worked in communication, and, as founder of Women Mind the Water, focuses on the relationship between humans and water. Her Wo(men) Mind the Water Artivist Series explores the work of artivists (artists +activists) and their impact in influencing change.
Sharks Matter, Here’s Why
Sharks are both loved and maligned creatures of the deep. For those who fear the toothy, cartilaginous fish, efforts to eliminate the sharks might be the best solution. These people may be unaware that sharks play an important role in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem. Today, as the result of human interventions, many shark species face the threat of extinction. Sharks are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrate animals. About a third of all know sharks species are considered threatened with extinction. The biggest threat facing sharks and their relatives is unsustainable overfishing.
Why Save the Whales?
Whales play a vital role in the well-being of the planet. They contribute to the production of oxygen we breathe, sequestration of carbon that otherwise would increase the rate of global warming, awareness of the state of the ocean’s health, and the economy of many coastal communities worldwide.
