SEA LIFE JUST FISH? THINK POLAR BEARS TOO, HERE'S WHY

When you think marine mammals, do you think polar bears? I didn't until I learned more. Polar bears are the only bear considered a marine mammal. Their scientific name, Ursus maritimus, translates to "maritime bear." Born in snow dens, they spend most of their time on the frozen sea, which they use as a platform for hunting seals. Mission 31 will study climate change effects on some tropical creatures. Although the Florida Keys have no polar bears, ocean health and climate change research impacts all sea life, from zooplankton (microscopic animals) to polar bears (up to 1,200 lbs). Want to know more? 20 Interesting Facts about Polar Bears.

A greater understanding of our oceans 
is needed at this critical time of dwindling resources and increased pollution. The oceans affect more life than we think.

Polar Bears live on the frozen sea as a marine mammal. Credit Moses Anderson via Polar Bears International.

Ocean Food Chain, Top to Bottom

Specifically, Mission 31 experiments will study climate change effects on zooplankton and coral reefs, marine life found in the Keys.  An overview of all M31 science research is at blog post 5/24/14.  Polar Bears International, the world's leading conservation group for polar bears, will celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8 in honor of all ocean life, large and small, even the ones that don't first come to mind!   

Mission 31 is studying effects of climate change on our oceans.

Polar Bears spend most of their time on the frozen sea, so it makes sense their Latin scientific name translates to "maritime/sea bear." Photo credit Kt Miller/ Polar Bears International

Polar bears keep from slipping on ice with the help of small bumps on their feet called papillae.

World Oceans Day 

World Oceans Day day will be a big day for Mission 31. Media and celebrities, including Dr. Sylvia Earle and actor Ian Somerhalder,  will visit us in the Keys and there'll be a celebration underwater (what better place to celebrate?). Up to World Ocean Day, I'll post daily about the wonders of the ocean, the current issues it's facing, and how we are bringing attention to those during Mission 31. Stay tuned! 

More blog at What's Mission 31 About? This is Worth the Watch.