One of the Greats

For one of my school assignments, I was asked to do research on a scientist that inspires us and make an infographic about them. Now, not knowing any marine biologists that are well known, I went to the internet to decide who to choose. I didn't just want someone who wrote a book about marine biology, but a person who was hands-on, exploring the field. That was when I found the illustrious Sylvia Earle. She has an incredible career, being the first female diver or male to descend over 1200 feet in a pressurized Jim Suit. She has also led countless historical expeditions both above and below the water. Learning about her, I imagined one day being even in her shadow. She advocates the protection and sanctuary of our oceans and their life.    

I got interested and listened to some of her talks around the world, amazing me even more. She has started up three companies creating new marine science technology and other important advances. She told, how in the past 50 years is where most of the damage has been done. She loves to dive and see/understand/know all she can about our planet's "heart". I'm have never experienced diving, but the thought of a shark swimming by me is both terrifying and liberating. Only 5% of our ocean has been explored, and even less understood by humans. If we don't start helping protect our main source of food, life, and water we'll lose our chance to save it at all. Her goal is to educate others and maybe not live to see the change, but know it's occurring in a positive manner. She should be an inspiration to everyone as she is to me.  

 The Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tank at Monterey Bay Aquarium 

So my big trip was last yesterday and I literally am posting this on the drive back. I had a really great time you know, nice hotel, great weather, etc. I personally like the foggy, cold, rainy kind of weather, but the sun was nice for going to the aquarium. Not only is it spectacularly amazing there, it proves to be one great information center on all things going on in the ocean. I got to talk with one of their marine biologists for a short time and told her I want to grow up to be a marine biologist. She thought that was cute so we started talking; I wanted to impress her with my knowledge...(lol). I asked her about an article I had read recently. It was about a humpback whale who got caught in netting and was luckily freed. She told me about how us humans are most likely not getting the entire scale of global warming on marine life. Food for most large marine mammals is becoming scarce due to warm waters and they are being forced to go in extensive search for food that just isn't there. She thought it was cute I wanted to be a marine biologist and then had to go to return to work. The rest of the time we just toured the place with me geeking out at everything. I think we were there for around 5 hours. Yeah that didn't please my companions who went with me.

Jellyfish Tanks

I got to see hundreds of different species of all kinds of oceanic life. Since I probably wouldn't go back for a while I wanted to see as much as I could. I also learned several facts about most of the species I saw (told you, info center). I watched a video of the rehabilitation of an otter, and it shows what a difference a little food, medicine, and care can make. I think it would be so cool to work in a place like that and be able to educate future generations who can make a change. It inspires me more every time I go to one of these places. Hopefully, you can visit the aquarium one day, it's really amazing, I'll put in a link to the website below. 

http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/