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.
Sea level rise threatens endangered species, even marine animals
Sea level rise is threatening the survival of species not only those that live their entire lives on dry land. Three of the five species considered most threatened on the US Endangered Species list are the Florida Key deer, loggerhead sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals are all threatened by increases in sea level. It is surprising that the latter two are classified as marine animals living the majority of their lives in the ocean.
Maine’s Seals Dying from Bird Flu
The influenza strain known as Eurasian H5N1 has been causing outbreaks across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It appears to have arrived in North America late in 2021. This strain of avian flu has been identified globally in more than 100 different species of wild birds. The identification of the influenza in the United States is alarming for a number of reasons. This bird flu can spread quickly along migratory bird routes and has the potential to contaminate birds raised on commercial poultry farms. The virus also has been found to infect wild mammals such as foxes, skunks and raccoons. In July 2022, stranded seals along Maine’s coast have tested positive for the virus.