VOLUME 1: SPRING 2021

Crest & Current: Volume I 1

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A Letter From the Editor

In a year of lockdowns, closed restaurants, and time at home, we can truly

reflect on our relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and the earth. Spending
time alone allows us to learn mroe about ourselves and what makes us happy.
Spending time safely with family and friends allows us to build our love and
friendship. Spending time outside as an activity gives us the opportunity to
care for the earth. Nature provides us with so much inspiration and life, so we
should care for it as much as we care for those around us. For the sake of future
generations, we can only hope that we can sustain the earth in a way that keeps
it beautiful for those to follow in our footsteps. Crest & Current was created to
educate and inspire those in love with our planet and its aquatic life. It starts
with us on land, but we have a role to play for our oceans too.

Malia Fairbrother Editor In Chief

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marine species that live in these areas either die or, if they are and hurricanes. Some debris, such as derelict fishing gear,
mobile (such as fish), leave the area. can also come from ocean-based sources. This lost or
abandoned gear is a major problem because it can continue

Pollution is Killing Using ecological forecasting, NOAA is able to predict changes

in ecosystems in response to HABs and other environmental
to capture and kill wildlife, damage sensitive habitats, and
even compete with and damage active fishing gear.

Our Waters drivers. These forecasts provide information about how

Each year, billions of pounds of trash and other
pollutants enter the ocean. Where does this
pollution come from? And where does it go?
Image source: pexels.com, Copy source: “Ocean Pollution.” National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
www.noaa.gov
people, economies, and communities may be affected. For
example, the Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring System
developed by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean
Science provides information to the public and their local
authorities to help decide whether beaches need to be closed
temporarily to protect public health.
Marine Debris
Local, national, and international efforts are needed to
address this environmental problem. The Save our Seas
Act of 2018 amends and reauthorizes the Marine
Debris Act to promote international action,
authorize cleanup and response actions, and
increase coordination among federal
agencies on this topic.

The majority of pollutants that make their way into the
ocean come from human activities along the coastlines
and far inland. One of the biggest sources of pollution is
nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of
runoff. Nonpoint source pollution can come from many
sources, like septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches,
and timber harvest areas. Pollution that comes from a single
source, like an oil or chemical spill, is known as point
source pollution. Point source pollution events often have
large impacts, but ortunately, they occur less often.
Discharge from faulty or damaged factories or water
treatment systems is also considered point source pollution.
Nutrients and algal blooms:
Too much of a good thing?
Marine debris is a persistent pollution problem that reaches
throughout the entire ocean and Great Lakes. Our ocean
and waterways are polluted with a wide variety of marine
debris, ranging from tiny microplastics, smaller than 5 mm,
to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Worldwide,
hundreds of marine species have been negatively impacted by
marine debris, which can harm or kill an animal when it is
ingested or they become entangled, and can threaten the
habitats they depend on. Marine debris can also interfere
with navigation safety and potentially pose a threat to
human health. All marine debris comes from people
with a majority of it originating on land and entering the
ocean and Great Lakes through littering, poor waste
management practices, storm water discharge,
and extreme natural events such as tsunamis

Sometimes it is not the type of material, but its concentration

that determines whether a substance is a pollutant. For
example, the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus are essential
elements for plant growth. However, if they are too abundant
in a body of water, they can stimulate an overgrowth of
algae, triggering an event called an algal bloom. Harmful
algal blooms (HABs), also known as “red tides,” grow rapidly
and produce toxic effects that can affect marine life and
sometimes even humans. Excess nutrients entering a body
of water, either through natural or human activities, can
also result in hypoxia or dead zones. When large amounts of
algae sink and decompose in the water, the decomposition
process consumes oxygen and depletes the supply
available to healthy marine life. Many of the
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Tips for
Ocean Photography

Make sure that you get up close as much as possible while be-
ing safe. Less water between you and your subject will yield a
sharper image.

Be safe! Practice and perfect your swimming, snorkeling,

or diving before perfecting your underwater photography
skills. Your safety comes first!

Just like with all photography, make sure that the sun is behind
you when taking pictures. Unless you are aiming for a silhou-
ette look for your subject, this is a good rule of thumb to always
keep in mind.

Vary your shots! Sometimes, shooting vertically will

benefit the composition of your photos. Shots of schools
of fish, coral structures, or shots showing depth can
benefit from shooting vertically.

Keep color in mind when shooting. Many creatures are full of

colors, patterns, and textures that will stand out!
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Jellyfish are fascinating creatures that exist without lungs,
a heart, or a brain. Rather than having these organs,
jellyfish live using nerve signals, allowing them to sense
danger or food. Along with many other deep sea creatures,
jellyfish can survive in the depths of the ocean, far below
where it is safe for other fish or humans to survive
Jellyfish
(due to the pressure underwater). They are the oldest
multicellular beings in the world, being traceable to
hundreds of millions of years ago. Similar to starfish, a
jellyfish is also capable of regeneration - meaning if you cut
one in half, it can regenerate into two new living jellyfish!

Bioluminescence
the bioluminescence, while other times it is created by
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of bacteria found on the organism. The latter can be seen in
light from living beings, typically seen in marine life, ocean waves in the evening or nighttime. The purpose of
insects, or plants. Some common examples of animals bioluminescence varies - it can be used to attract prey,
that use bioluminescence are fireflies or anglerfish. This communicate, or defend the organism from predators.
phenomenon is caused by chemical reactions within
the organism. Sometimes the actual organism produces
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Seafoam
Seafoam is sometihing that most people have seen and are
aware about but it never seems to be a phenomenon. The
existence of seafoam separates bodies of water such as the
ocean or a lake from a pool or a bath. Seafoam is caused by
living things in the ocean, giving the waves a frothiness that
is nonexistent in something like a pool. Decaying algae is
Image source: pexels.com, unsplash.com. Copy source: oceanservice.noaa.gov
Crest & Current: Volume I 11
responsible for the foam. The decayed algae is frothed by
natural winds at sea, creating the seafoam that we later see
at shore. However, t is not always safe. Regular ocean waves
that appear foamy are safe but once the levels of algae grow,
they can become hazardous to humans and other animals.
Photography Highlights
Featuring work from the talented photographers on Pexels and Unsplash.
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Saving Our
Coral Reefs
T
photosynthesis. The coral uses these compounds to synthesize hreats to Coral Reefs Of local threats to coral reefs,
calcium carbonate (limestone) with which it constructs overfishing and damaging fishing techniques such
its skeleton — the coral reef. as deep water trawling and the use of explosives
and cyanide, are the most destructive. When herbivorous
The symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae fish that eat seaweed are overfished, uncontrolled seaweed
can only exist within the narrow band of environmental growth can smother coral. Coastal development results
conditions found in tropical and subtropical waters. The in erosion, and runoff containing the excess sediment can
water must be clear and shallow so that the light algae need block the light zooxanthellae need.
for photosynthesis can penetrate, and water temperatures
must ideally remain between 23˚ and 29˚ C (77˚ to 84˚ F). Nutrient-rich fertilizer runoff and sewage effluent can boost
The number of coral species in each reef varies: the Great algae growth, which starves the water of oxygen, causing

C
Barrier Reef off Australia has over 600 species of coral while eutrophication. Pollution from land, including hot water
oral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea,” are some of a Caribbean reef has about 65. Today many reefs have 40 to releases from power plants, pathogens, and trash, and
the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on 50 percent less coral than they did just 30 years ago. from marine activities, such as fuel leaks and oil spills,
earth. They occupy less than one percent of the
also endangers coral reefs. Tourism, while relying on the
ocean floor, yet are home to more than a quarter of all
appeal of coral reefs, can be damaging when careless divers
marine species: crustaceans, reptiles, seaweeds, bacteria, Resources Institute, 75 percent of the world’s coral reefs are
trample on corals or break off pieces as souvenirs. In
fungi, and over 4000 species of fish make their home in at risk from local and global stresses. About a quarter of
addition, more and more coral and tropical fish are
coral reefs. With a global economic value of $375 billion a them have already been damaged beyond repair. If we
being harvested for the aquarium trade.
year, coral reefs provide food and resources for more than continue with business as usual, 90 percent of coral reefs
500 million people in over 100 countries and territories. But will be in danger by 2030, and nearly all of them by 2050.

C
tragically, coral reefs are in crisis.
oral reefs are colonies of individual animals
Coral reefs are endangered by a variety of factors, called polyps, which are related to sea anemones.
including: natural phenomena such as hurricanes, El Niño, The polyps, which have tentacles to feed on
and diseases; local threats such as overfishing, destructive plankton at night, play host to zooxanthellae, symbiotic
fishing techniques, coastal development, pollution, and algae that live within their tissues and give the coral
careless tourism; and the global effects of climate change— its color. The coral provides CO2 and waste products
warming seas and increasing levels of CO2 in the water. that the algae need for photosynthesis. In turn, the algae
According to Reefs at Risk Revisited, a report by the World nourish the coral with oxygen and the organic products of
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A recent study of 159 reefs in the Pacific found that plastic

pollution is killing coral, too. When coral reefs come into
contact with plastic waste, the incidence of disease rises
20-fold. The scientists do not know exactly how the plastic
Need a getaway?
causes disease, but they speculate that bacteria on the plastic
can infect the coral and plastic can block the needed sunlight.
From the creators of the “Our Planet” series:
By 2025, they project that 15.7 billion plastic pieces could
come into contact with coral reefs.
Living Planet

N
atural phenomena that stress coral reefs include
predators such as parrotfish, barnacles, crabs
and crown-of-thorns starfish, and diseases.
Hurricanes or prolonged cold and rainy weather can harm
coral reefs. The El Niño weather pattern, which can result
in lower sea level, altered salinity due to too much rainfall, Season One Out Now
Book today with
instatravel
and elevated sea-surface temperatures, can also damage on all streaming platforms
coral (oceans absorb 93 percent of climate change heat).
When corals overheat, they react to the stress by expelling
their algae, which results in coral bleaching. Bleaching leaves
corals vulnerable to disease, stunts their growth, affects their
reproduction, and can impact other species that depend
on the coral communities. Severe bleaching kills them.

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Image source: pexels.com.

Copy source: Cho, Renee. “Losing Our Coral Reefs.”
State of the Planet, Columbia Climate School, 13 June 2011, news.climate.columbia.edu
18 Crest & Current: Volume I
Dolphins
“Dolphins use a system of sound
production and echolocation. They
“rely on sound production and
reception to navigate, communicate,
and hunt in dark” waters. Dolphins
use whistles in order to communicate
with other members of their pod.”
Crest & Current: Volume I 19
D
olphins are mammals, meaning they are warm-
blooded like humans. They are called cetaceans
and are members of the Delphinidae family.
All dolphins are toothed whales. While most people use
the terms dolphin and porpoises interchangeably, they
actually refer to two different types of animals. [1]
Dolphins possess a distinct beak and sharp conical shaped
teeth. They also tend to be larger than porpoises. Porpoises
belong to the Phocoenidae family. [2] They tend to be
smaller and more robust, the majority reaching about
five to seven feet in length. They do not have distinct
peaks, with their foreheads sloping almost uniformly
to the tip of their snout and have spade shaped teeth. [3]
There are thirty two species of oceanic dolphins and
five species of river dolphins. Dolphins are very social
animals and live together in groups known as pods. Pods
have been observed interacting with other pods from time
to time. A mother dolphin will stay with her calf for two to
three years. [4] Dolphins form strong bonds that may last
a lifetime. They have been observed physically supporting
sick or dying members of their pod. [5] However, they can
be quite aggressive. Dominant members of pods have been
known to abuse the weaker members. [6]
Some dolphin species can swim up to 25 miles per hour
for long periods of time. Other species have been known
to dive as deep as 1,000 feet under the surface and jump
as high as twenty feet out of the water. [7] The amount of time
a dolphin can hold its breath depends on the species. Some
have been known to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes,
while others need to breathe about every 20 seconds. [8]
Dolphins have physiological adaptations suited to their
marine existence. Dolphin skin is completely smooth,
allowing them to glide faster through the water and their
“eyes produce a special slippery secretion which protects the
eyes from foreign objects and water friction.” [9] Dolphins
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are voluntary breathers, meaning that they choose when
to breathe. Thus, when they sleep, dolphins must shut
down only half of their brain, as they need the other half
to tell their body when to breathe. [10] They tend to take
short cat naps floating just under the water’s surface,
slowly rising to take a breath. [11]

Dolphins use a system of sound production and echo-

location. They “rely on sound production and reception
to navigate, communicate, and hunt in dark” waters. [12]
Dolphins use whistles in order to communicate with other
members of their pod. Each dolphin tends to have a
signature whistle to identify themselves to the other
members. [13] The bottlenose dolphin is the most known
species as it is typically used in aquatic shows, movies, and
TV shows, such as the famous series, Flipper. They use echo-
location as a means of communication and as a tool to help
them hunt. The eating habits of dolphins depends on the
species, but it ranges anywhere from fish, shrimp, squid
and crabs to turtles, seals, small dolphins, and infant whales.

An adult dolphin can consume up to thirty pounds of fish

a day. [14] The average lifespan of dolphins varies as much
as the eating habits. The average lifespan of a river dolphin
is around twelve years of age, while oceanic dolphins live
up to around 40 years.

“The bottlenose dolphin is the most known species

as it is typically used in aquatic shows, movies,
and TV shows, such as the famous series, Flipper.
They use echolocation as a means of communication
and as a tool to help them hunt.”

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Image source: pexels.com.

Copy source: Tierney, Lauren. “Biological Summary of the Dolphin.” Animal Law Legal & Historical Center, 2010, www.animallaw.info
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Our Call to Action

According to the Climate Clock located in New Yrok City, we have less
than seven years to achieve zero carbon emissions before the harmful effects
become irreversible. Over 100 million animals die each year to plastic ocean
waste. One in three marine mammals get entangled in litter that makes its
way into the ocean. The largest trash site in the world is twice the surface area
of Texas, outnumbering sea life 6:1. 70% of waste sinks into the ocean, 15%
floats, and 15% washes up on beaches. These statistics are just the beginning
of the harm we have caused our planet. Research local volunteer centers, Thank You
places to donate, or take small steps each day to make a difference. Rememebr to
recycle, shop sustainably, and avoid unnecessary waste. Earth is the only
There is something amazing and magical about wildlife and
planet that we have in this lifetime, so we should treat it with kindness.
nature. I hope to preserve this magic for future generations
by sharing animal facts and resources to accomplish this
Here are some resources that you can donate to from anywhere:
goal. Thank you for taking the time to read this publication.
• The Ocean Cleanup I hope that you found an interesting article or image that
• Plastic Oceans International inspired you. Taking the time to design this publication
was a lot of fun and I am very proud of the design and
• Ocean Conservancy
editing results. I am very happy to call Crest & Current
• Surfers Against Sewage my first full publication. I hope that you enjoyed reading it.
• Oceana
Thank you.

Malia Fairbrother Editor In Chief

Call (888) 123 - 4567 or visit helpnow.oceans.com to donate to the Ocean Life Cause.

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Image source: pexels.com, unsplash.com. Copy source: Condor Ferries, Malia Fairbrother
 222 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh PA 15222

DISCLAIMER: THIS PUBLICATION (CREST AND CURRENT) WAS CREATED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NO PROFIT IS MADE FROM THE PUBLICATION