Ocean Art & Education

Why do humans need bones, if sharks don't? 👇👇👇 . The difference is one of the beautiful examples of evolution and perfect habitat adaptation! 👌 . Bones? Strong, but brittle and not very bendy. Cartilage? Squishy, but light and flexible. What it comes down to? Gravity ⬇️ . If we, humans, were built out of cartilage we would simply collapse under the force of gravity. We need a stable bony frame to withstand the needs of living on land. 🏜️ . Sharks on the other hand, don't have this problem. Light, flexible skeleton not only means they need to spend less energy on swimming, but also makes them quick, agile master predators we all love ❤️ . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #oceandecade #cartilage #sharksareawesome #sharkeducation #protectthesharks #sharkfin #sharks #oceandecade #sharkeducation #sharksarefriends #sharksofinstagram #savethesharks #oceaneducation #marinewildlife #animaleducation #protecttheocean #oceanawareness #savetheseas #marinelifematters #savemarinelife #oceanconservancy #oceanminded #oceanconservation #sciart #oceanlovers #oceanlife #marinelife https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb7yc2ZvCWg/?utm_medium=tumblr

With Star Wars franchise ruined, it's time for Seagrass Wars! 🌱⚔️🌿 . Right under our noses, there is an invasion happening in the Caribbeans! But unlike in a Hollywood movie, it's not quite clear how evil the assaulting forces are 🤔 . 🌿 Halophila stipulacea is an invasive seagrass species first spotted around Grenada in 2002, currently spread all over the region. Scientists have some clues about the cause of its rapid expansion, but nothing is for certain! . 🔎There are several issues at play here. Firstly, these grassy invaders are quite resilient and hence usually the first ones to colonise the areas wiped out by storms. Secondly, latest studies suggest that they are capable of sexual reproduction, spreading the seeds just like flowers on the ground - this provides beneficial, higher genetic diversity! . 🥦 Lastly, there are some indications that Halophila stipulacea is simply not everyone's favourite meal. Large local grazers like turtles and manatees seem to prefer native species, therefore leaving invaders population unchecked. Crustaceans and snails, such as Queen Conch, also seem to be thriving less, comparing to native seagrass beds. But we don't know any of that for sure and that's why we need brilliant scientist like @madyloveswhales to step in! . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #seagrassawarenessmonth #oceandecade #seagrass #habitat #savetheturtles #turtlesareawesome #meadows #greenfins #greenforce #greenpower #bluecarbon #bluesea #marineillustration #biodiversity #oceaneducation #marinewildlife #animaleducation #protecttheocean #oceanawareness #savetheseas #marinelifematters #savemarinelife #oceanconservancy #oceanconservation #sciart #oceanlovers #oceanlife #marinelife (at Seagrass Landscapes) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbKskT0v-rZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

Did you know March is Seagrass Awareness Month? 🌱🌿☘️ . Let's look back into our cooperation with wonderful @madyloveswhales, seagrass expert and UVI graduate with Master of Marine and Environmental Science! 👏 . 🌻 First things first - seagrass has nothing to do with seaweed. It's actually much closer to flowering plants on land, as it has roots, stems and leaves. In the same way, they perform photosynthesis, using sun's energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen they use for growth. For that reason they occupy shallow waters where sunlight can easily penetrate. . 💨 Seagrass provides incredible benefits for the atmosphere! On one hand, it produces 10 liters of oxygen per square meter every day. On the other, they capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at the rate 5 times higher than tropical rainforest 🤯 World's seagrass meadows collect up to 83 million metric tons of carbon each year - all that stored safely in the ocean is referred to as 'blue carbon' 💙 . 👶 Green meadows of seagrass are also very important nursery habitats for millions of small invertebrates, which seek shelter under the leaves and enjoy steady supply of nutrients. In turn, this abundance attracts larger animals, creating a rich, diverse environment! . 🏆For all these fantastic benefits, seagrass beds are considered third most valuable ecosystem on the planet, right after estuaries and wetlands. . 👉 Stay tuned for more seagrass facts in the coming days! . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #seagrassawarenessmonth #oceandecade #seagrass #habitat #savetheturtles #turtlesareawesome #meadows #greenfins #greenforce #greenpower #bluecarbon #bluesea #marineillustration #biodiversity #oceaneducation #marinewildlife #animaleducation #protecttheocean #oceanawareness #savetheseas #marinelifematters #savemarinelife #oceanconservancy #oceanconservation #sciart #oceanlovers #oceanlife #marinelife (at Seagrass) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbFnnT3veSw/?utm_medium=tumblr

Can't get enough of those, but that's the last one, I promise 😍 . Neon sharks, completing our pattern trio. Which one do you like best? Let us know in the comments! 🎊 . Our sharky patterns are celebrating @stopfinningeu initiative, a chance for any European citizen to influence the law and put an actual proposal in front of European Parliament. Join the movement now, the while process is quicker that intro to Squid Game! 🦈🇪🇺 . You can find our posters in the bio link under 'Shark Posters'. 20% of each purchase is donated to yet another wonderful organization - @oceana! 🌊 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #oceandecade #stopfinningeu #stopsharkfinning #wallart #postersofinstagram #sharkfinning #protectthesharks #sharksareawesome #sharks #silhouetteart #sharkeducation #sharksarefriends #sharksofinstagram #savethesharks #oceaneducation #marinewildlife #animaleducation #protecttheocean #oceanawareness #savetheseas #marinelifematters #savemarinelife #oceanconservancy #oceanminded #oceanconservation #oceanlovers #oceanlife #marinelife https://www.instagram.com/p/CU98ncLK30F/?utm_medium=tumblr

I liked this pattern so much, that I decided to do some color options! 🎨 . What do you think, is it enough sharks for one wall art? Let us know in the comments 👇 . Are you into sharks or fancy doing something good today? Check our yesterday's post about the fantastic @stopfinningeu initiative, where every European citizen can contribute and see some real legislative action happening! 🇪🇺🦈 . If you like the poster, head to the link in our bio, under 'Shark Posters'. And since winter is coming, we have blankets available too! ❄️🦈 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #oceandecade #stopfinningeu #stopsharkfinning #wallart #postersofinstagram #sharkfinning #protectthesharks #sharksareawesome #sharks #silhouetteart #sharkeducation #sharksarefriends #sharksofinstagram #savethesharks #oceaneducation #marinewildlife #animaleducation #protecttheocean #oceanawareness #savetheseas #marinelifematters #savemarinelife #oceanconservancy #oceanminded #oceanconservation #oceanlovers #oceanlife #marinelife https://www.instagram.com/p/CU7YyeAKGbn/?utm_medium=tumblr

Have YOU signed the petition yet? 🦈🦈🦈 . 🧐 But I've signed dozens of petitions in my life and nothing ever changes... 👉This one is different! It sounds like a cliché but it really is! With 1 million signatures collected, European Parliament has no choice but run a special hearing for the cause and then is obliged to propose well justified steps forward. So at the very least, it's guaranteed that the signatures won't end up at the bottom of somebody's drawer. . 😠 But shark finning is already banned in EU, so what is the fuss all about? 👉 It's true, selective fishing for sharks, cutting off their fins and throwing the rest of the body overboard has been banned in EU since 2003. BUT how many vessels are actually checked? 1-3% (data from the largest fishing fleet of Spain). The rest not only goes unchecked, but later on we don't even have mechanisms and regulations to determine how the cargo is handled and what's being exported. . 😌 Alright, so what are you proposing? 👉 The only measure that could successfully render shark finning impossible - fins must remain on the shark at all times, even when being exported! . 🦈 Visit @stopfinningeu for more information and sign the petition today! 🦈 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #oceandecade #stopfinningeu #stopsharkfinning #sharkfinsoup #sharkfinning #protectthesharks #sharkfin #sharks #oceandecade #sharkeducation #sharksarefriends #sharksofinstagram #savethesharks #oceaneducation #marinewildlife #animaleducation #protecttheocean #oceanawareness #savetheseas #marinelifematters #savemarinelife #oceanconservancy #oceanminded #oceanconservation #sciart #oceanlovers #oceanlife #marinelife (at Europe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU4zV3hqPR8/?utm_medium=tumblr

Is there a greater adventure than just letting the waves pick your destination? 🌊🌊🌊 . Violet snail would agree! They choose to live their lives upside down floating on a particular device of their own making! ⛵ . In order to create their raft, the snail reaches above the water with their foot. As they curly it tight, mucus is excreted, encapsulating the trapped air in a bubble, which is then quickly carried underwater. Each one takes about 10 seconds, so after about an hour, our sailor has a fully functional, floating device! 🐌🌊 . This particular way of living gives snails access to a very specific, but precious part of marine environment called neuston - which is just the top few centimeters of the water column! The area is rich with small organisms, making it an open buffet for violet snail 🐌🥗 . Thanks to its unusual coloring, the snails are quite well camouflaged from above and below. However they're not invincible - one of their biggest predator is a humble turtle, often visiting water surface to take a breath 🐢 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsalty #violetsnail #float #raft #floaties #floating #spitbubbles #seasnail #seaslug #gastropod #lifefindsaway #animaldrawing #cartoonartist #marinelifeillustration #oceanawareness #oceandecade #conservationthrougheducation #fishillustration #marinescience #mindblown #oceaneducation #oceanoptimism #sciart #scienceandart #scienceillustration #seacreatures #sealifeart #savethereef #savethesea https://www.instagram.com/p/CUxPMHYK5Eg/?utm_medium=tumblr

Have you ever dreamt of spreading your wings and flying like a... snail? 🐌 . That's right! At some point in their evolution sea butterflies decided that ocean bottom is too crowded and have chosen freedom! 🦋😅 . These incredible snails have evolved their foot (on normal snail it's that slimy part that they use for movement) into light and gentle wings, allowing them to actively cruise through the open water, alongside other pelagic animals! 🐋🐬🐟 . But how do they feed themselves, spending the whole life away from the solid bottom? Well, they use a brilliantly devised mucous web! With this slightly gross apparatus they can catch tiny crustaceans or sinking particles from above! 🍤🥗 . It's important to mention that sea butterflies are tiny - only 10-15mm across. Which means their delicate shells are especially susceptible to increasing ocean acidification. Calcium carbonate, crucial in the construction of any shell, doesn't bound in highly acidic water, leaving snails essentially homeless. This is yet another example of negative changes of the ocean impacting even the smallest, the least popularized creatures... 😕 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsaltylty #seabutterfly #butterfly #butterfliesofinstagram #flylikeabird #oceanacidification #snailsofinstagram #seasnail #snails #snailshell #lifefindsaway #animaldrawing #cartoonartist #marinelifeillustration #oceanawareness #oceandecade #conservationthrougheducation #fishillustration #marinescience #mindblown #oceaneducation #oceanoptimism #sciart #scienceandart #scienceillustration #seacreatures #sealifeart #savethereef #savethesea https://www.instagram.com/p/CUcqFHLqFdb/?utm_medium=tumblr

Is this reality or steampunk fantasy? 🖤🤯🧐 . Nope, it's all real, very badass and... well, magnetic! And it's all thanks to a special kind of bacteria... Meet scaly-foot snail, also known as sea pangolin! 🌊 . These incredible gastropods occupy a very hostile neighbourhood - deep-sea hydrothermal vents, right next to toxins, acidity and nearly 400 degrees Celsius! 🌋 . But snails have an important ally - bacterias living inside and outside of their shell. These productive microbes take poisonous toxins from the water, converting them into iron coating of the shell and iron scales on the snail's foot! 🛡️ . This unique armor helps sea pangolins against the attacks from crabs or projectiles shot at them by other venomous snails 🦀🐌 . Friendly bacterias might play an even bigger role in snail's life, enabling the process of chemosynthesis. Crafty microbes digest chemicals from the water, produce sugar which is then consumed by the snail with a specialized gland. In exchange, bacterias get a cozy, shell-shaped home. It's a win-win! 🏘️ . So there you have it, once again nature finds a way to prosper in the most insane of environments 😍 . 👉 Stay tuned, in the coming days we will take a closer look at other unbelievable ocean snails! . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsaltylty #metalhead #seasnail #seaslug #gastropod #metalaf #lifefindsaway #underwatervolcano #armor #animaldrawing #cartoonartist #marinelifeillustration #oceanawareness #oceandecade #conservationthrougheducation #fishillustration #marinescience #mindblown #oceaneducation #oceanoptimism #sciart #scienceandart #scienceillustration #seacreatures #sealifeart #savethereef #savethesea (at Underwater) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUC6TT0q636/?utm_medium=tumblr

Orca's dorsal fin seems just preposterously large, but why? 🤔 . Actually it's the biggest dorsal fin of any mammal and can grow up to a stunning 1,8m! 🤯 . It acts a keel on the boat - balancing and providing sideways support. Some studies suggest that it also acts as cooling device - keeping the fin above the water during long swims might prevent the animal from overheating! 🧊 . As every fin, they don't have any bones, just collagen. That's why they sometimes collapse and bend! Especially prevalent with captive orcas, but also present in nature, the phenomenon is not clearly explained 🤔 . Some researchers say it's due to poor nutrition and stress, others that it's a natural reaction to lack of long distance swimming. The conclusion is unclear, but it's not like we need one more reason to not keep orcas in tiny tanks for entertainment. There is plenty of them already... . 📸 Check out more photos from @ericaustinyee . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsalty #orcagang #orcapod #orcasofinstagram #killerwhales #apexpredator #grandmaknowsbest #wildlifephotographer #marinebiodiversity #oceandecade #OnlyOneOcean #fishphotography #marinecreatures #marinewildlife #underwaterimages #uwphotographer #uwphoto #divingphoto #marinebiology #oceanconservancy #wildlifephotography #underwaterphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CT4i_NuK8u4/?utm_medium=tumblr

Here is something you don't see everyday... Or barely ever in fact! 🤯 . Albino orca! Note how the usual snow white spot around the eye is still distinctive, because albinism only affects the melanin-filled black areas of the body 🖤 . As incredible as it looks, this condition is most likely caused by inbreeding. On the bright side, there is no other visible disadvantage to this genetic peculiarity ☺️ . But why would orcas be inbred? Well, this brings us back to orcas' cultures (again). In some pods, almighty grandmas teach distrust towards the strangers, preferring to 'keep things within the family'. Just like with humans, some cultures are just not that social! 🙄 . 📸 Incredible photo thanks to @makophoto26 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsalty #orcagang #orcapod #albino #orcasofinstagram #killerwhales #apexpredator #grandmaknowsbest #wildlifephotographer #marinebiodiversity #oceandecade #OnlyOneOcean #fishphotography #marinecreatures #marinewildlife #underwaterimages #uwphotographer #uwphoto #divingphoto #marinebiology #oceanconservancy #wildlifephotography #underwaterphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzdaADK9px/?utm_medium=tumblr

Some underwater encounters are just too good to be true 😍 . Orcas are incredibly social animals, forming complicated relationship and behaviors within their pods 🐳 . While they're impeccable predators, strength is not what drives them. It's the smarts! Experienced, wisest grandma orca leads the pod, transferring knowledge and traditions to younger generations! 🤶 . Find out more about orcas culture in our previous posts! 👈 . 📸 Find out more incredible sightings through @paulnicklen camera, check out his amazing profile! . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsalty #orcagang #orcapod #orcasofinstagram #killerwhales #apexpredator #grandmaknowsbest #wildlifephotographer #marinebiodiversity #oceandecade #OnlyOneOcean #fishphotography #marinecreatures #marinewildlife #underwaterimages #uwphotographer #uwphoto #divingphoto #marinebiology #oceanconservancy #wildlifephotography #underwaterphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CTriE3rKjQB/?utm_medium=tumblr

Cultures can be weird... But we shouldn't judge! 😅 . When wondering about all the incredible similarities between orcas and humans... let's not omit all the wonderfully weird stuff! 😂 . Figget-spinning? Pokémon-Go? Ice-Bucket challenge? Yes, orcas have fads too! 🤯 . In 'The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins' book we can learn about a Great Salmon Fad of 1987 😅 It describes a single female of killer whale pod playing with a dead salmon, pushing it around like a toy. In a matter of weeks, almost every member of the pod had its own dead salmon toy, even spreading the new fashion to other pods around! . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty#clueintheblue #orcawhales #fad #marinemammals #freewilly #marinebiologist #divingislife #marineanimals #oceananimals#oceanoptimism #marinewildlife #savetheseas #oceanconservancy #oceanwildlife#oceaneducation #sealifeart #marinebio #fishillustration #scienceillustration#scienceandart #oceancreatures #seacreatures #seacreature #marinescience#sciart #divingisfun #marinelife #underwaterlife #marinebiology (at In A Weird Place At A Weird Time) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSzKzYOKSLP/?utm_medium=tumblr

It's good to have a Grandma... especially if you're an orca! 🧓🐬 . In the previous post we talked about killer whales' extraordinary culture and today we're going to reveal why it has a lot to do with... Menopause! 😳 . Confusing, yes, but hear me out. Reproduction is one of the main goals in animal kingdom, so females living for a long time after losing the ability to give birth are incredibly rare. Only handful of mammals is known to experience this - narwhals, belugas, pilot whales and of course orcas and humans. But what for? 🤔 . Females released from their baby-making duties can focus on something else - knowledge transfer! Killer whale pods are matrilinial and there is a good reason for it - old females are simply the smartest! They're the ones with the lifetime of hunting and survival experience, and can spend decades teaching new generations! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 . In the same way humans started their cultural journey with drawings in caves, leaving markings and basic knowledge for the humans to come, orcas are keeping their habits and behaviors alive through continuous process of teaching and learning! 🌊 . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #killerwhales #grandma #orcasofinstagram #oceanaddict #oceaneducation #fishillustration #cartoonartist #animalfacts #conservationthrougheducation #oceanoptimism #conservationmatters #sealifeart #educating #divingisfun #marinewildlife #cartoonillustration #animaleducation #underwater_world #conservationoptimism #childrenillustrations #cartoondesign #oceanic #oceanfun #marinebio #oceansoul #divingislife #incrediblefacts #marinelife https://www.instagram.com/p/CSZgfOSKwLG/?utm_medium=tumblr

Orcas' culture, what does it even mean? 🎓🤔🐬 . In the context of biology, culture is not about Shakespearean plays, but rather a collection of behaviors learned from one another across generations 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 . Just like with humans, one of the first cultural difference is language... and orcas are no different! Scientists have ample recorded evidence, that clicks and whistles orcas' use to communicate can be very different between the groups (clans), even if they live in a similar territory 🌏 . Hunting techniques and food preferences are another cultural aspect. Across the planet orcas have evolved many different methods for getting their selected meal - some like seals, some search for penguins, others love salmon. What's important, this preference is not necessarily connected with the food availability, which means it's a learned behavior, not opportunistic feeding! 🍲 . Cultural norms also dictate the selection of mates, means of playful and hierarchical interactions and many others, all within the boundaries of specific group 🎊 . However, this stunning similarity to mankind society doesn't come without a cost. Cultural attachment to certain food, makes orcas vulnerable to depleting fisheries - animals raised eating salmon, will not suddenly switch to chinook, even if salmon is scarce. For some groups, even mating outside the pod is not encouraged, creating weaker, inbred populations 🙄 . . . #freshnsalty #clueintheblue #orcas #evolution #culturalevolution #marinemammals #orcasofinstagram #orcagang #marinelife #oceanlife #marineconservation #killerwhale #marinelifematters #oceaneducation #oceanlover #seacreature #sealifeart #oceanart #oceanillustration #fishfacts #marinebiology #marinebio #fishillustration #scienceillustration #sciart #scienceandart #divingislife #divingisfun #underwaterlife #underwater_world https://www.instagram.com/p/CSUQ5H6K1dU/?utm_medium=tumblr

Up to 41 tonnes... of pure grace and serenity 🙏😇🐋 . Apart from being enormous predators battling even bigger squids in the deep dark ocean... Sperm whales are just beautiful, peaceful creatures almost effortlessly cruising through the ocean... 🌊 . Like many other marine mammals they form close bonds within their pods, communicate in a highly intelligent way, share maternal responsibilities and live rich, emotional and multifaceted lives 😇 . Let's not forget about the whales. Ban on commercial whaling has been a huge help for them in the '80s, but nowadays it's only the tip of the (melting) iceberg. Sperm whale population is still only recovering after centuries of unrestricted hunting and they need every help they can get to grow strong and resilient again ❤️. . 📸 Check out @robertoochoahe profile for more fantastic scenes from the underworld! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsalty #spermwhale #whalesareawesome #whales #bluewhalewatching #whalesofInstagram #oceanawareness #onlyoneocean #marinebiodiversity #oceandecade #marinephotography #marinewildlife #oceancreatures #oceanwildlife #seaanimals #underwateremotions #underwaterimages #underwaterphoto #uwpic #scubagram #uwphotographer #savetheseas https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPShdYKKNs/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gentle giants catching some zzz's in a very unique way 🐳🐳🐳 . Everyone deserves a break! When sperm whales need some rest, they would gather vertically, in a group of 5-6 and just hang there, almost motionless! 😀 . Different than humans, marine mammals have a lot to worry about while sleeping! That's why their brains never fully rest - they need to keep controlling their breathing and byouancy 🧠 . Sperm whales don't spend too long lingering though. It's estimated that only 7% of their lives is spent asleep - in contrast, humans sleep for about a third of their lives! 😴 . 📸 Check out @keriwilk for more fantastic photography! . 👉 Follow @freshnsaltyeco to get a clue in the blue! . . . #clueintheblue #freshnsalty #spermwhale #whalesareawesome #apexpredator #spermwhales #whales #whalesofInstagram #oceanawareness #onlyoneocean #marinebiodiversity #oceandecade #marinephotography #marinewildlife #oceancreatures #oceanwildlife #seaanimals #underwateremotions #underwaterimages #underwaterphoto #uwpic #scubagram #uwphotographer #savetheseas https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHc_9QK_rK/?utm_medium=tumblr