#CoralReefs

[amnhnyc]

What’s a prismatic spotted sharpnose (Canthigaster solandri)?🌈🐠✨ It’s a species of pufferfish that ranges from Indo-Pacific waters to the Hawaiian Islands. It lives along reefs, where it feeds on red and green algae, corals, crustaceans, and mollusks. When under threat, it has the ability to quickly inflate its body, increasing its size to intimidate predators. And if puffing up doesn’t work, it has a toxin in its skin that might do the trick! Photo: Nick Hobgood, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons #AnimalFacts #fish #OceanLife #nature #PrismaticSharpnose #CoralReefs #dyk https://www.instagram.com/p/CfAe3fLL2M-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#animalfacts #fish #oceanlife #nature #prismaticsharpnose #coralreefs #dyk

[mesmerizing-sea-life]

#fish #coralreefs #corals #reef #oceans #ocean life #marine creatures #marine life #marine animals

[arrecifescoralinos]

Gorgeous cnidarians!

🪸🪸

#nature #conservation #wildlife #animals #science #marine life #ocean #marinecreatures #coralreefs #corals #coralcolonies #education

[travelwayfarer]

Caye Caulker, Belize is a small Caribbean island that is a true paradise. The crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're snorkeling through the vibrant coral reefs or lounging on the beach with a cold drink in hand, there's something for everyone on this beautiful island. The locals here are friendly and welcoming, and the food is delicious. From fresh seafood to traditional Belizean dishes, there's no shortage of tasty options. One of the best things about Caye Caulker is its laid-back atmosphere. There are no cars on the island, so the only mode of transportation is by bike or golf cart. This adds to the island's charm and helps to keep things relaxed and stress-free. If you're looking for a little adventure, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to parasailing and kiteboarding, there's no shortage of ways to have fun in the sun. Whether you're a beach bum or an adventure seeker, Caye Caulker is the perfect destination. So pack your bags and head to this tropical paradise. You won't regret it! #CayeCaulker #Belize #Caribbean #islandlife #beach #snorkeling #coralreefs #travel #vacation #relaxation #adventure #kayaking #standuppaddleboarding #parasailing #kiteboarding #sandybeaches #crystalclearwater #food #friendlylocals #laidback #golfcart #bike #tropical #paradise #beachbum #adventureseeker #funinthesun #sun #relax #stressfree https://www.instagram.com/p/CmkG-MPKnu6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#cayecaulker #belize #caribbean #islandlife #beach #snorkeling #coralreefs #travel #vacation #relaxation #adventure #kayaking #standuppaddleboarding #parasailing #kiteboarding #sandybeaches #crystalclearwater #food #friendlylocals #laidback #golfcart #bike #tropical #paradise #beachbum #adventureseeker #funinthesun #sun #relax #stressfree

[bsraart]

Kaynak: bsraart

#zentangle #zentangleart #denizaltı #deniz #underseaworld #art #sanat #mercan #coralreefs #sketch #sketchbook #draw #artline #zigart #gray

[vargasreef]

They are beautiful 😍 @aquael_world @aquaeliran @bluemarinelife.qa @two_little_fishies @illumagic @dalua_international #coral #coralreef #coralreefs #coralreeftank #coralreefaquarium #reef #reefer #reefaquarium #reeftank #reefbuilders #reef2reef #marineaquarium #reefers4reefers #aquariums #reefshop #reefkeeping #reefs #reeffish #reefaddict #reeftanks #reefaholiks #nanoreef #designinspiration #designideas #allmymoneygoestocoral #allmymoneygoestofish #aquarium #eatsleepreef #aquariumdesign #aquariumbuild https://www.instagram.com/p/CpLBwcprWFS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#coral #coralreef #coralreefs #coralreeftank #coralreefaquarium #reef #reefer #reefaquarium #reeftank #reefbuilders #reef2reef #marineaquarium #reefers4reefers #aquariums #reefshop #reefkeeping #reefs #reeffish #reefaddict #reeftanks #reefaholiks #nanoreef #designinspiration #designideas #allmymoneygoestocoral #allmymoneygoestofish #aquarium #eatsleepreef #aquariumdesign #aquariumbuild

[extremecorals]

3.5X3.5 BRANCHING HAMMER CORAL

#coral #corals #coralsonline #buy corals online #purchase corals online #online corals store #coralreefs #extremecorals #ocean #aquarium #hammer corals

[ollywooddiveandtravel]

Ein gesundes Riff voller Leben ist für einen Taucher das schönste, denn dort kann man sich perfekt treiben lassen und die Unterwasserwelt in vollen Zügen genießen. Korallenriffe sind für die Menschheit wichtiger als manche denken. Sie absorbieren CO2, produzieren Sauerstoff und schützen uns vor den Gezeiten der Meere. Der Schutz und die Erhaltung dieses Lebensraum ist also auch für uns Menschen wichtig. . . Safe the reefs - Safe the mankind . . @tauchen.magazin @tauchernet @paditv @t_m_r_diesdasananas . . #reef #coralreef #coralreefs #savetheocean #safethereefs #safetheplanet #ocean #sea #sealife #oceanlife #marinelife #scuba #scubadiving #scubadive #oceanlover #oceanlove #underwater #underwaterphotography #underwaterworld #underwaterphoto #underwaterpics #redsea #redseadiving #unterwasserwelt #unterwasser #unterwasserfotografie #unterwasserfoto #abukefan #egypt #safaga (hier: Abu Kafan) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cip2zX3KvpH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#reef #coralreef #coralreefs #savetheocean #safethereefs #safetheplanet #ocean #sea #sealife #oceanlife #marinelife #scuba #scubadiving #scubadive #oceanlover #oceanlove #underwater #underwaterphotography #underwaterworld #underwaterphoto #underwaterpics #redsea #redseadiving #unterwasserwelt #unterwasser #unterwasserfotografie #unterwasserfoto #abukefan #egypt #safaga

[shreygoyal]

View on Twitter

If humans do not take drastic action to reduce emissions and slow climate change, almost all of the Earth’s coral reefs will be dead in 30 years

(Source)

#Climate Change #coralreefs #coral reef #biodiversity #marine life #Climate Crisis #My Tweets

[phonemantra-blog]

Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate Earth Day? Look no further than Saudi Arabia! This captivating country boasts a diverse landscape teeming with breathtaking natural wonders and a rich tapestry of wildlife. From verdant oases and towering mountains to vibrant coral reefs and vast desert expanses, Saudi Arabia offers an abundance of eco-adventure opportunities for the whole family. In this guide, we'll unveil five incredible wildlife trips you can embark on in Saudi Arabia, all guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for our planet's beauty. Celebrate Earth Day with a Wildlife Adventure Immerse Yourself in the Oasis Magic of Al Ahsa Unwind in a Lush Paradise: Start your eco-adventure in the heart of Al Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lush greenery and natural thermal springs. Imagine strolling through groves of towering date palms, a signature feature of this expansive oasis – one of the largest in the world. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the tranquility as you explore this haven of natural beauty. Explore Ancient Wonders: For a dose of history, embark on a challenging yet rewarding climb up the limestone hills of Al Qarah. Reaching the summit will be well worth the effort, as you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Delve deeper into the region's rich past by exploring the fascinating network of caves and passageways carved into the rock face. Family Fun for All Ages: Plan a relaxing picnic at the picturesque Al Ahsa National Park, where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy quality time with loved ones. For a touch of urban exploration, head to the King Abdullah Environment Park. Here, you can marvel at the stunning water fountain light shows, let the kids loose in the playgrounds, or catch a game at the football stadium. Test your navigation skills in the park's mazes or immerse yourselves in a captivating performance at the on-site theater. A Memorable Farewell: Before departing Al Ahsa, make sure to visit Yellow Lake (also known as Asfar Lake). Sit back on the warm golden dunes and soak in the captivating vista of the turquoise water. Capture unforgettable moments with your family and create lasting memories that you'll cherish for years to come. Insider Tip: For a truly immersive experience, consider booking a guided tour starting from SAR 700 (approximately £147) for a group of five. This tour will take you to various cultural and historical landmarks, including the Dar Altorath Museum and the Al Qarah Mountain. You'll also get a glimpse into local life through a visit to the Prince's School museum and enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional home. Discover the Hidden Gems of Jabal Shada, Al Baha A Biodiversity Hotspot Awaits: Venture south of Jeddah to discover the hidden wonders of Jabal Shada, a nature reserve teeming with diverse flora and fauna. This lesser-explored gem boasts unique rock formations and serves as a haven for a variety of plant and animal species endemic to the region. As you explore this diverse ecosystem, keep your eyes peeled for unusual rock formations and be awestruck by the sheer variety of life forms that call Jabal Shada home. A Step Back in Time: Jabal Shada holds historical significance as well. Explore the fascinating network of caves adorned with Thamudic writings and drawings dating back a staggering 3,000 years. These ancient inscriptions offer a glimpse into the lives of past civilizations and provide valuable insights into the region's history. Modern Comfort Meets Natural Beauty: For a truly unique experience, consider spending a night in one of Jabal Shada's remarkable cave resorts. These innovative structures, designed by architect Mohammed Nasser Al Shadwee, seamlessly blend modern living with the awe-inspiring natural environment. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views from your cave-turned-bedroom, complete with all the amenities you expect, such as a kitchen and a balcony. Enjoy the comfort of your private haven while remaining immersed in the natural wonders of Jabal Shada. Adventure Awaits: Jabal Shada offers a plethora of activities for families seeking adventure. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a thrilling trek through the rugged landscape. Test your skills with a challenging climb or explore the terrain on a scenic bike ride. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Arabian Leopard, a critically endangered species that calls Jabal Shada home. Embark on a Thrilling Safari in the Sharaan Nature Reserve Witness the Majesty of Saudi's Wildlife: Journey to the heart of AlUla and explore the vast expanse of the Sharman Nature Reserve, encompassing a staggering 1,500 square kilometers. This protected area is a haven for an incredible array of wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to witness animals in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for endangered Arabian wolves, large-eared red foxes, red-necked ostriches, and majestic Arabian ibex. The reserve also provides a sanctuary for Idmi gazelles and a variety of bird species. If you're incredibly lucky, you might even spot the critically endangered Arabian leopard, a major conservation focus in the region. Explore by 4x4: For a safe and comfortable exploration of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, book a thrilling 4x4 adventure with Safari Sharaan. Sit back, relax, and let a professional guide navigate you through this breathtaking landscape. Traverse a diverse terrain of red-rock canyons, expansive valleys, vast desert plains, and rocky outcrops. This unforgettable experience allows you to observe wildlife from a safe distance and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. Avian Paradise Awaits in Soudah Birdwatching Extravaganza: Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Aseer region, Soudah provides a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Imagine yourself surrounded by breathtaking panoramas as you embark on a birdwatching adventure. Soudah boasts a remarkable collection of rare and endemic bird species, their vibrant colors contrasting beautifully against the lush backdrop. With a little patience and guidance, you might spot a wide variety of feathered friends soaring through the clear skies. Planning Your Eco-Adventure in Saudi Arabia Making Your Trip Seamless: Visiting Saudi Arabia for your Earth Day expedition has never been easier. The country has implemented various visa initiatives, including the visa program, which now extends to 63 countries, including the UK and special administrative regions. Additionally, the free 96-hour Stopover Visa allows you to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia during a layover. Applications for the eVisa are processed instantly, making it a convenient option for travelers. Furthermore, holders of UK, US, or Schengen visas, as well as residents of these countries and the European Union, are eligible for the visa program. Travel Logistics: Reaching Saudi Arabia is a breeze with regular flights operated by airlines like SAUDIA and British Airways. These airlines offer direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester to major Saudi Arabian cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Neom Bay. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a nature enthusiast seeking a family-friendly getaway, Saudi Arabia offers an abundance of eco-tourism experiences waiting to be discovered. Celebrate Earth Day in style by embarking on one of these incredible wildlife trips and create lasting memories that will inspire you to protect our planet for generations to come.

#AlAhsa #ArabianLeopard #birdwatching #CelebrateEarthDaywithaWildlifeAdventure #coralreefs #diving #EarthDay #ecotourism #eVisa #JabalShada #oasis #RedSea #Safari #SaudiArabia #SharaanNatureReserve #Soudah #travel #visa #wildlife

[fancy-dapper-fox]

April Post on Heavy Topic

Hello, Today I am posting about how Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing affects Coral Reef Health. I will also be briefly touching on how law enforcement “compliance” plays into this. I am in a Marine Science Club and am using the club’s monthly project of creating a post about tropical conservation concerns as an opportunity to share information I’ve researched. If anyone reads my post and has additional info, please share! Also, the information I give is really summaries of what I’ve looked into so I will be providing links to my sources. 

So the first thing I want to talk about is what exactly coral reefs are and what makes them so important. According to the International Coral Reef Initiative there are over 100 species of coral reef (that we’ve discovered so far) and despite how they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor they support an estimate of over 25% of all marine life. The coral reefs support that marine life by providing suitable habitat areas – they minimize waves and current impact and provide safe breeding and resting grounds. Something to also remember is that they don’t just support marine life, they also support human life – mainly people who live on coastlines and rely on income from fishing and tourism (I’ll touch more on this later). The human reliance on the coral reefs can be positive as it helps monitor marine life and prevent overpopulation but it can also bring a harmful issue – IUU. 

So what exactly is IUU? The International Maritime Organization (IMO) describes it as “IUU fishing takes advantage of corruption and exploits weak management regimes, in particular those of countries lacking the capacity and resources for effective monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS). IUU fishing threatens marine biodiversity, livelihoods, exacerbates poverty, and augments food insecurity.” and the U.S Department of State office of Marine Conservation gives a very important point that “IUU fishing can take on many forms, ranging from small-scale vessels misreporting their catch or straying into a neighboring country’s waters, to coordinated efforts by transnational crime syndicates. IUU fishing can also undermine port and maritime security, as criminal elements may use similar trade routes, landing sites, and vessels as used for smuggling migrants, and trafficking arms, drugs, and other contraband.” 

To make this information a bit easier to understand: IUU fishing uses law enforcement gaps to overfish and opens routes for even more criminal activity. IUU fishing affects the environment and all living things in it (even humans are not immune to this activity). 

Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated fishing threatens the reefs health because most illegal fishers are not concerned about the damage they do – they destroy coral to get to fish, they spill chemicals by accident near the reefs, they deplete the areas of algae which is a plant coral has a symbiote relationship with. 

All this IUU and the damage that happens during it creates a domino effect of health problems for the coral reefs making them inhabitable which drives the marine life away which in turn ruins the environment. 

Something I want to note really quick is a vocab term that is coming up --- MPA's : Marine Protected Areas

“Many MPA experts consider insufficient enforcement to be one of the primary drivers of non-compliance in MPAs (Iacarella et al. 2021), and gaps in enforcement often result from a deficient budget (Kuempel et al., 2017). Non-compliance is likely to become an increasingly widespread problem for MPAs if we prioritize MPA coverage over MPA quality. A 2017 study examining data of hundreds of MPAs from every temperate and tropical ocean basin found that 65% of managers describe their budget as inadequate and 91% describe their staff capacity as “below optimum” (Gill et al. 2017). Therefore, to make MPAs as effective as possible, we must focus on adequately financing and staffing them to facilitate high enforcement and compliance levels.” This quote is from The Marine Conservation Institute. Even thought the information is a bit dated I thought it was a good idea to include this piece of information. Now when I ay law enforcement “compliance” I am specifically talking about certain people in the law enforcement departments compliance to remain ignorant towards the importance of monitoring MPA. A lot of times patrols don’t deem certain areas to be of importance or law enforcers like judges don’t see that protecting “some plants and fish” is important enough to dish out punishment to IUU people. 

So because of negligence, ignorance, or even just minor oversights a lot of IUU people get away with their illegal activity. 

I'm of course not going after or attacking every single law enforcement official because quite a few of them do take their work seriously but realistically it only takes a few "bad" law enforcers to creates gaps in the system that illegal fishers can take advantage of.

Not to mention there are publicized cases on law enforcement officials who have been suspected or confirmed of taking bribes so that people slip through the cracks of the justice system.

Now I'm going to talk a bit more on how/why humans are affected by the decline of Coral Reef Health:

Coral ecosystems protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs and income to local economies from fishing, recreation, and tourism. And in addition to that they are a source of new medicines, and they have cultural significance.

The continued decline of coral reef ecosystems will have significant social, cultural, economic and ecological impacts on people and communities in the U.S. and around the world.

Of course, not all hope is lost - it's not all doom and gloom.

There are many conservation projects + programs being worked on to help the coral reefs. There is the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, The Ocean's Harmony no-profit organization and many more.

There are even volunteer programs: (These are just a few, I will attach a link with a list of more)

Coral Reef and Diving Project – Thailand 

Coral Reef Restoration in Bali

Great Barrier Reef Conservation in Australia

Caribbean Reef Diving Project in Carriacou, West Indies

Island Volunteering Project in the Maldives

Coral Reef Restoration Volunteer (Volunteer world website)

And you don't have to volunteer or work in the marine science or conservation field to help!

You could repost/like/share info on online platforms. You can fact check articles you read. You can involve yourself in voting for environment protection bills. You can watch live videos of researchers (Like nautiluslive on Instagram) You can go to community events. Report suspected IUU when you see it (Stay safe though). You could buy books, clothing, art, jewelry (like fahlo) to support conservation programs financially. You can teach your kids, friends, family (pets?) to spread awareness. YOU CAN EDUCATE YOURSELF.

Before I end my little ted talk I do want to bring attention to one more group who has worked hard on the conservation of Coral Reefs:

The Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network (QIWRN).

Ever since they launched in 2018 the organization has worked as representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Queensland. They have worked on their conservation efforts as rangers, mapping land and tracking changes within the local ecosystems.

I hope everyone who reads this find it inspiring and educational.

Sources: 

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) - Who We Are 

Understanding Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing | NOAA Fisheries 

Coral Reefs: Status, Risks and Outlook | World Resources Institute (wri.org) 

Why are coral reefs dying? (unep.org) 

Four reasons illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing affects us and what we can do about it | FAO Stories | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing (imo.org) 

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing - United States Department of State 

Saving the Coral Reefs: 9 Innovations in Coral Reef Restoration (treehugger.com) 

Meet the Indigenous Women Leading Conservation Efforts in the Great Barrier Reef | Condé Nast Traveler (cntraveler.com) 

Benefits of coral reefs | ICRI (icriforum.org) 

Coral reefs: Essential and threatened | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov) 

Restoring Coral Reefs | NOAA Fisheries 

Projects - Oceans' Harmony (oceansharmony.org) 

The Top 7 Coral Reef Conservation Volunteer Projects | WorkingAbroad 

▷ Coral Reef Restoration 🐚| Reef Conservation 2024 | Volunteer World 

#CoralReefs #IUUFishing #MarineConservation #IllegalFishing #OceanProtection #EnvironmentalJustice #ConservationEfforts #EcosystemProtection #GovernanceMatters #CorruptionFree #ProtectOurOceans #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #SaveOurSeas

[djhenryhall]

Crop Dusting Bonaire

🐠Parrotfish poop = white sand! Their beaks bite algae off coral, grind it up & excrete as smooth sandy particles that create/replenish beaches. Nature's sandsculptors! 🏝️

Did you know that some of the pristine white sand you feel between your toes originates from an unexpected source? The fine-grained particles are actually parrotfish poop! These vibrantly-colored fish earn their name from their beak-like mouths, which are fused teeth called pharyngeal mills. With these powerful “beaks,” parrotfish bite and scrape algae off rocks and dead coral. But their diet…

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#Beaches #CoralReefs #marinelife #Nature #parrotfish #SandSculptors #Scuba Diving #sea life #wildlife

[kajapopko123456]

Kaja Popko

#MarineLife #OceanLife #UnderwaterWorld #SeaCreatures #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #OceanConservation #CoralReefs #SeaLife #OceanLove #ProtectOurSeas #BluePlanet #OceanAwareness #DeepBlueSea #MarineConservation #AquaticLife #Seashore #OceanEcosystem #DiveIntoNature #Oceanography #SeaConservation #OceanHabitat #SaveMarineLife #UnderwaterPhotography #ExploreTheOcean #OceanExploration #SeaWorld #MarineEnvironment #OceanHealth #SeaLifeConservation

[fanciedfacts]

Trees Vs. Oceans for oxygen production

We often talk about the critical role of rainforests in oxygen production, but have we considered the oceans? Which of the two generates more of the vital oxygen necessary for life on our blue globe?

#OxygenProduction #OceanEcosystems #RainforestEcology #MarineLife #AmazonRainforest #Phytoplankton #CoralReefs #OxygenCycle #EnvironmentalScience #ClimateChange

[sachinyadavhd001]

Dive into Aqaba's Unforgettable Snorkeling Adventures in the Crystal-Clear Red Sea

Embark on a magical underwater journey with Travejar! Explore Aqaba's vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs, making every snorkeling moment unforgettable. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea with Travejar, your gateway to aquatic wonders.

Visit : Snorkelling In Clear Waters Of Aqaba

#Travejar #AqabaSnorkeling #RedSeaAdventures #UnderwaterExploration #MarineLife #CoralReefs #TravelMagic #SnorkelingTours #AdventureSeekers #ExploreNature #DiveIntoBeauty #TravelWithTravejar #SeaAdventure #CrystalClearWaters #AquaticWonders #SnorkelingExcursions #RedSeaBeauty #ExploreAqaba #TravelJourneys #AdventureAwaits #DiveIn #UnforgettableMoments

[bsraart]

My coral reefs.

Kaynak: bsraart

#zentangle #zentangleart #denizaltı #deniz #underseaworld #art #sanat #mercan #coralreefs #sketch #sketchbook #draw #artline #zigart #gray #Instagram