Gorgonians are a group of corals known as the ‘horny corals’. This is includes the sea whips, sea fans and sea feathers. They are similar to the soft corals because they all have eight-part symmetry. Most jewelry that is made from coral is made from the gorgonians. If you ask me though corals are too precious too wear.
Marine & Freshwater Environmental Education
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Everybody do the ‘Stingray Shuffle’
Staying safe at the beach this summer can mean more than just applying liberal amounts of sunscreen. If you are going to be visiting the southeastern United States you may want to try the ‘stingray shuffle’ to avoid a venomous injection from a stingray. A stingray’s main defense is it’s barb which they arc up […]
What is the difference between a marine biologist and an oceanographer?
A marine biologist studies the life in the ocean (“bio” = life). An oceanographer studies the physical elements of the oceans. A marine biologist will study dolphins. An oceanographer will study tides. A marine biologist will study jellyfish. An oceanographer will study the salt content of seawater. A marine biologist will study algae. An oceanographer […]
Share new environmentally friendly memes
I recently started a course with the Cornell University Civic Ecology Lab on Environmental Education Outcomes. Much of the reading and discussion is centrally around some themes that I studied in graduate school over ten years ago. It’s fantastic to get a refresher and also see what’s new on the horizon. Easily one of the […]
The flight of swallows
That’s a great title for a song if someone wants to use it. In any event, have you ever been to the beach or walking along the marsh and felt the gloom and doom of darkness approach even though it’s a bright and sunny day? Have you ever looked up into the sky to witness […]
bcsanswers@twitter
Do you want short (often humorous) ocean science information? Follow the Beach Chair Scientist on twitter @bcsanswers. Often many job posting, fun pictures or just links to relevant information. Thanks. If you have any questions please e-mail beachchairscientist@gmail.com or let us know at http://www.beachchairscientist.com. photo (c) twitter.
You say you want a resolution! Well, you know …
If you and your family are looking for a motivating New Year’s resolution to revolutionize and change the world why not make a commitment towards using less water? According to the folks at Good (and Greg Rubin) in partnership with Levi a family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day but can survive […]
Can I adopt a whale?
Of course! Now, do not expect to take a whale home. There is no way your tub can fit a marine mammal comfortably, plus, taking care of a salt water tank is all too fussy. If you are willing to donate the money you can do just about anything in the world. Adopting a whale […]
Project AWARE
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been scientifically proven to provide multiple health benefits, including lowering your risk of various chronic diseases and keeping your body healthy. Making major dietary shifts, on the other hand, can be overwhelming. For starters, changing your diet drastically can be difficult; but people can start with a […]
The Majestic Plastic Bag – Part IV
This just in! Another fine addition to The Majestic Plastic Bag conservation series. A reusable plastic bag company, ChicoBag Company, announced recently that they are being sued by three of the nation’s largest disposable plastic bag manufacturers. Those companies are claiming that a link on the ChicoBag Company website educating citizens about the long term […]
10 brief facts on bioluminescence
We all get excited thinking about bioluminescence in nature. Ironically, that excitement is only one of the reasons animals glow like an elf in Middle Earth. Here are some ‘basics on bioluminescence’ you can share with your friends and family the next time you all ogle a firefly and wonder ‘why?’. Insects (e.g., fireflies, glow […]
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- Hurricane vs. Cyclone vs. Typhoon
- A House for Hermit Crab
- How to handle a horseshoe crab
- Snot's your house
- Wednesday Wisdom: Various quotes (Alaska scenes)
- A naturalist's must-see destination: Fossil Hunting at Bayfront State Park in Chesapeake Beach, MD
- Belly biology creates lasting memories
- Five awful puns about courtship in the sea
- Horseshoe crabs confirmed as members of arachnid family
- Beyond the bag: Other plastics being banned
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