And now I am learning about the essential role of the menhaden fish! In the ecology of our oceans, their coastal landscapes principally. They are small fish(es) living in estuaries and along coasts, depending on age, season and reproductive cycle. Their most important feature is that they are filter feeders, whose main sources of food are either phytoplankton (plant) and zooplankton (animal). For example, as plant eaters, they can control the destructive algae blooms developing as waters get warmer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menhaden#References

Menhaden’s feeding modes actually inspired the development of fish farms, if I understand. They exemplify the virtuous cycles developing between fish and plants as fish waters are enriched by the fish droppings plants feed on … or something like this. Just enough understanding of the symbiotic relationships between all livings creatures, slowly established throughout evolution … a million years of interdependency … apprenticeship … threatened in their fundamentals by how humans abuse and poison the environment.

I find this quick exploration of the menhaden truly fascinating. I wonder whether there are children books I could send Lexington to get him interested. It must be rewarding to get so close to the basic tenets of ocean life and know that a wise practice of them could make the difference for humanity!

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Next week Linda Perris-Belay, a ROOTER is coming to Charleston with a play she wrote, sponsored by the Moja Festival. I have already been asked by Victoria to get in touch with her about some carpentry support work! Here goes my fish and vegetable styro-sculpting! But it is clear that ROOTERS practice solidarity, isn’t it? And I am a ROOTER!