#oceansteward

Large whales, like humpback whales, can typically pull gear, or parts of it, off the ocean floor for months at a time and for thousands of miles and may result in starvation or drowning due to restricted movement, physical trauma, and infections. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary coordinates the community-based Hawaiian Islands Large Whale Entanglement Response Network. Whale rescue is complex and dangerous for the whale rescuers as well as the animal. Do not try to disentangle a whale yourself. Learn about disentanglement and how you can help in this effort by visiting https://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/protect/entanglement.html (Photo: Tasia Blough/NOAA. Image description: Trained response team in an inflatable boat heading towards a whale fluke. NOAA MMHSRP Permit #18786.)

Starting the week with a little inspiration courtesy the next generation of ocean stewards. #VisitorPicture : @visual.ee #regram #giantoceantank #nextgeneration #oceansteward #caribbeanreef #newenglandaquarium #boston #massachusetts (at New England Aquarium)

Cleaning up your local shoreline or even just your neighborhood can help prevent trash from becoming marine debris and can help to create a healthy ocean that we can all enjoy. Pictured here is debris cleaned up by the Marine Debris team from the shores of Midway Atoll cleaning the waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument! (Photo: CREP/NOAA. Image description: A large pile of marine debris on a beach with people smiling.)

Volunteer with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and significantly contribute to their ongoing education and conservation efforts. Visit https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/involved/volunteers.html to learn more. (Photo: Nick Zachar/NOAA. Image description: Volunteer watching a whale tail on the horizon.)

Fun weekend with @teens_4_oceans Colorado chapters. Fired up to protect the ocean from a mile high! #teens4oceans #colorado #teenactivism #oceansteward #waterbabee (at Westminster, Colorado)