OP/ED: Plants under the sea

IMPORTANT CURES MAY BE ON THE SEABED

When I was taking the Honors Biology class at MTHS as a freshman, one of the introductory units was about ecosystems: systems where plants, organisms and other factors interact with each other and create intricate results based on those interactions. We created our own ecosystem jars and watched snails give birth and die, and water plants grow out of control. Even if I would enjoy focusing on the animals, sea plants are just as important and fascinating.

Starting with the basic seagrass, a plant that’s name originated from the land plant, you guessed it, grass. Seagrass is able to grow flowers by reproducing sexually or asexually, and one alone is able to create an entire blooming forest on the ocean floor. Considering the wide range of animals that rely on it as a food source, including sea turtles, sea urchins and even some sea birds, the plant must be pretty tasty.

Along with all of the flowing plants that live in the ocean, thousands of microorganisms that can’t even be seen can also be found. They might not appear to be that important in the grand scheme of things, but they play a crucial role in the smaller ecosystems existing in the Pacific. One of these microorganisms is the phytoplankton, a plant that floats around in the water, eating up sunlight and other microorganisms. Their main purpose is to provide nutrients for other creatures, meaning they basically live to die, which is a pretty sad, although necessary, existence.

Seagrass and phytoplankton both play a necessary part in sustaining the Pacific’s ecosystem, but what are some other organisms that have more uncertainty surrounding their uses?

One is the antipatharian, nicknamed the black coral despite its wide variety of colors. Like other coral, it is typically found grouped together in reefs on hard surfaces, providing more relationships between predator and prey. As these special coral have a slow life cycle and live in hard-to-reach locations, not much is known about them further than the basics.

To add to the confusing mix, in 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration founded three more species of black coral in the Pacific Ocean. What is so significant about that? Turns out, these new species may contain special bio-

active compounds that could be used to fight fatal diseases such as cancer. These organisms have been used by Pacific Islanders in the past for more simple treatments, but curing other common deadly diseases could be a game changer. The difficulty in learning more about this plant-like animal comes from its location in the ocean. While possible to get down to the deep seafloor, only about 20% of it has been mapped, and it takes a large number of resources and time to explore even just a bit of the floor. Another issue comes from scientists not wanting to disrupt or damage the ecosystem. A majority of the creatures and Rachel Davis OP-ED EDITOR plants that are in the deep sea are still fairly unknown to us. In order to perform research, the ecosystem would need to be tampered with, and scientists don’t consider that safe yet. At this moment, there is ongoing research about the black coral and how it could help us. In due time, and with enough luck, we might just be able to have a cure for major diseases that could change the world. H

NICO FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE CAN AT A TIME

By Kerensa Suzara

As the weather becomes colder, shelters become more in need. With COVID-19, new struggles come into play, and obtaining food and toiletries becomes harder. Every year, Mountlake Terrace High School kicks off a food drive, collecting non-perishable foods to donate to the local food bank, Concern for Neighbors, on Nov. 1. Each year, our school is able to collect over 5,000 cans, making a huge impact on those who need it the most.

Thus, shelters depend on the donations that we make each year. During a typical year, students would stand outside of both QFC and Safeway to collect food and cash donations from shoppers. This year, we have struggled to collaborate with such stores due to COVID-19. After conversing with these stores and reminding them of the importance of the food drive to the community as a whole, QFC eventually agreed to let us collect cans, starting Nov. 20.

However, this is a later time frame to begin collecting as compared to years in the past, and our can collection has been less proficient as a result.

In addition, events that usually help bring in cans for the food drive have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. For example, both Macho Volleyball and Jam Session brought in a huge collection of cans, because people could donate cans instead of paying admission to watch the event. This was a great way to encourage participation in the food drive, and helped us collect a significant number of cans for the food bank.

Unfortunately, the district decided these events must have no spectators, since it isn’t an obligated event according to WESCO athletics. However, ASB is currently trying to postpone these events in the hopes that they can be held in the future in order to maintain the spirit both events bring.

To make up for the loss of donations, we have been collecting cash donations online as well. This can be accessed via the QR codes around the school or can be found where you pay your fines on the MTHS website. $1 is equivalent to 2 cans. Furthermore, we have a drive-through collection at the school as well, where you can drive by and drop off cans. Our next drive-through will be on Dec. 1, providing one last push before the food drive is over.

Our big collection days outside of school are where we get the most donations. The collections are student run, and we could use some support! These days of collection count as community service. ASB has received some help from National Honor Society students, but we can always use more volunteers. Since we are collecting outside of school, everyone collecting cans at QFC must initially take cans home until they can be brought to the school the next day. Therefore, it would be much more efficient if multiple students could ease the load and come help collect cans. It’s a great way to give back to the community, and it is fun, too.

Our QFC dates are currently Nov. 20 to Nov. 24. ASB also is picking up donations from PASS classes on Wednesday and Thursday, where we can also use the help. If you’re interested, please contact Jeannie Brzovic at brzovicj@edmonds.wednet.edu to sign up.

As we come closer to the end of the food drive, I encourage all of you to donate if you are able to. You can bring donations to your PASS class or donate during a drive-through day, and at QFC. At QFC, there will be students standing outside the doors with a cart where you can bring cans. There are many incentives, the biggest being the ability to help others in our community in this time of need.

Just like in years past, there is also plenty of competition. This year, the PASS class with the most cans will get a hot chocolate and donut party. Then there is competition amongst the classes, for $300 towards their prom! Lastly, this is a competition against Lynnwood High School, so let’s beat our rival school!

As of Monday, Nov. 15, we are at 5,200 cans including cash donations, with Traxler, Matthews and Welman’s pass classes having collected the most cans.

We have about two more weeks until the food drive is over, let’s try to get as many donations as we can! H

“Events that usually help bring in cans for the food drive have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. For example, both Macho Volleyball and Jam Session brought in a huge collection of cans.”