#farallonislands

[hi-technique]

[noaasanctuaries]

I get the inkling 🦑 that the weekend is here!

This ex-squid-site specimen was found during a survey in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary waters.

Squids differ from their relatives, octopuses, by having six arms instead of eight, and also two long feeding tentacles. Octopuses have round heads, while squids have pointy, cone-shaped heads with fins protruding on each side.

(Image Description: A tiny, transparent squid with orange dots and a large, black pupil stares out from a clear box. Photo Credit: Maps for Good -- NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS)

[noaasanctuaries]

Whether you live near or far from our magnificent ocean, we can all celebrate the gift of the sea! From feeding us to providing oxygen, regulating our climate and more, there are myriad ways the ocean impacts our daily life.

We can't wait to celebrate Earth Day this Friday! Have you made any plans to celebrate on April 22nd?

[noaasanctuaries]

Meet the Bull Kelp!

Bull kelp, which can be found in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary , is a large brown kelp can attach itself to rocks with a holdfast made of many finger-like projections. The kelp may be anchored to the seafloor, but it towers to the surface thanks to a gas filled float. The common name "bull kelp" came about because of its resemblance to a bull whip but they can also be known as a "mermaid's bladder"!

Photo Credit: (Steve Lonhart/NOAA)

Image description: Close up of a bull kelp air bladder and blades against a black background.

[noaasanctuaries]

It's International Women's Day!

And we think it's a great day to read up on some of our favorite heroes from around the sanctuary system! We're sharing our favorite Women's History Month features from recent years. Check out last year's profiles that feature ten dynamic women at work all over the sanctuary system.

Read it here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/mar20/celebrating-womens-history-month-2020.html

Image: Carina Fish, one of the current Foster Scholars, is working on ocean acidification in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Image: NOAA

[noaasanctuaries]

What is an octopus's favorite band? Ink Floyd!

Octopuses use several different strategies to evade predators—they camouflage themselves by quickly changing their skin color, they make colorful displays or eject ink to startle or confuse potential predators, they squeeze into small crevices to escape, and they quickly propel themselves through water. Next time you're diving in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, keep an eye out for a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of your eye! (Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA. Image description: Close up of a common octopus.)

[noaasanctuaries]

San Francisco's most exclusive neighborhood is a rocky island group 27 miles offshore, at the Farallon Islands near Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary!

This U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service refuge is the largest seabird rookery in the contiguous U.S. with over 300,000 seabirds, including Tufted Puffins. It's a B&B for seals and sea lions; surrounding sanctuary waters serve up a seafood feast for humpback and blue whales, white sharks, and giant sunfish. (Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA. Image description: Farallon Islands covered in sea birds.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Bird enthusiasts and watchers flock to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary for the diverse seabird populations and help support recreational businesses along the coast.

The Seabird Protection Network was created to help reduce disturbances to these populations and other marine life. Join us in protecting the seabirds by letting them rest and sleep undisturbed. Seabirds react when people, boats, or aircraft get too close and interrupt natural behaviors, such as feeding, resting, or caring for chicks. Want to learn more? Check out https://farallones.noaa.gov/eco/seabird/. (Photo: Ron LeValley. Image description: An adult murre feeds its young.)