George Karbus Photography
In the realm of conservation, we struggle with terms like ‘eco-anxiety’ and ‘environmental existential dread,’ acknowledging their impact on us. Amid the backdrop of climate calamity, it’s crucial that we don’t succumb to hopelessness, for action finds its wings in the nurturing embrace of hope. Our debut newsletter series aims to do just that – shine a light on uplifting oceanic events from August 2023. Let us be reminded that amidst the challenging narratives, the ocean also reveals remarkable stories that inspire optimism; from ancient mysteries to present-day marvels.
Ancient Echoes: Discovery of Oldest Known Jellyfish Species
In an astonishing revelation, Justin Moon, Jean Bernard Caron, and Joseph Moysiuk uncovered the preserved remains of a 505-million-year-old swimming jellyfish from the Burgess Shale. Named Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, this ancient species provides a tantalizing glimpse into the evolution of jellyfish. With a bell-shaped body standing at 20cm and adorned with around 90 short tentacles, the fossilized creature reignites our understanding of life’s origins. Folks don’t often think that jellies are much more than tissues and stinging cells. But the origins of our hearing started with the jellies. Statocysts around the perimeter of their mantle allow them to locate where they are and what forces are acting on their bodies. This is the origin of the otoliths in our inner ears which help us locate where we are. This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of ancient life, but also reminds us of the fascinating connections that bind us to these ethereal creatures. Such discoveries shed light on the existence of swimming jellyfish during that era, forever changing the way we view these mesmerizing inhabitants of the deep.
Empowering Innovation: The Ukrainian Woman Changing the Wave Energy Landscape
Inna Braverman, driven by her survival of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, is reshaping wave energy with Eco Wave Power. She challenges the hurdles obstructing wave energy’s adoption, diverging from offshore approaches. Instead, she anchors power stations on land and employs “floaters” linked to existing structures, revolutionizing energy conversion. This innovation, weather-resilient and cost-effective, transforms waves into a viable energy source. Eco Wave Power’s Gibraltar pilot station demonstrated its prowess for six years. In Israel, the first wave power station is already connected to the grid. Inna’s vision extends to broader horizons across Europe and the USA, including the UK’s fertile wave energy generation potential. Her journey signifies turning adversity posed by fossil fuel and wind into a greener future.
Basking Shark Mosaic: Art as Overt Activism and Climate Solution
Amid the digital tapestry of Instagram’s new platform, Threads, dedicated to inspiring conversations, “artivism” has played a viral form of environmental advocacy. Artist Kimmy McHarrie’s monumental mosaic of a basking shark surrounded by plankton resounds as a rallying call for ocean conservation. Crafted 10 ft (over 3 m) in length, the mosaic stands as a visual testament to the diminishing basking shark population around the Isle of Man—plunging from 500 sightings in 2019 to just 8 sharks reported in 2021. Displayed prominently at Ronaldsway Airport, McHarrie’s masterpiece weaves local stone, repurposed glass, and found items into a vibrant tapestry that champions ocean conservation, sustainability, and the battle against the climate crisis. Accompanied by a poignant film featuring basking shark footage, interviews with marine biologists and local fishermen, this artful endeavor amplifies the importance of protecting our ocean’s fragile ecosystem and the myriad species that inhabit it. For as the saying goes, “A landscape that hasn’t been evocatively described becomes easier to destroy.” In an era where activism finds its voice in art, Kimmy McHarrie’s mosaic emerges as a resonant call to action, an embodiment of hope amid the ebb and flow of our oceanic journey. For further insight, explore Kimmy McHarrie’s website.
As we conclude August’s journey through these oceanic marvels, a recurring theme emerges; even amidst the most daunting challenges, the spirit of innovation, art, and conservation prevails. From the ancient echoes of a swimming jellyfish, to revolutionary wave energy endeavors, and the call to action through art, we witness the diverse and harmonious ways humanity and nature intertwine. These narratives remind us that even in the face of adversity within the ocean’s realm, it also presents us with a canvas of endless possibilities, inviting us to shape transformational outcomes. Let these stories be a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a source of motivation to explore the ocean’s boundless wonders and the collective efforts that shape its flourishing future.
