DarkSky’s Post

Coral reefs are phenomenally important to our planet. They cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, but support 25% of all marine life. They benefit coastal livelihoods, providing jobs through tourism, fishing, and recreation, and also protect shorelines from the impacts of climate change, like storm surge and coastal erosion. Today, reefs are facing significant threats. Coral reefs rely on colorful microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that provide the coral with food. When water temperatures get too hot, corals can expel their zooxanthellae. The loss of zooxanthellae causes the corals to lose their vibrant colors (called coral bleaching), and the corals can starve. If corals experience bleaching for an extended period of time, they can die, impacting entire reefs. The Nature Conservancy is actively working to protect and restore coral reefs, from identifying and protecting resilient reefs to deploying coral restoration efforts, working closely with stakeholders and communities that depend on healthy reefs. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's efforts, visit https://lnkd.in/gfSNjh9r #CoralReefs #CoralBleaching This stunning photo from Palau was taken by Kip Evans and Cut Canvas Creative.

Coral reefs play a critical role in the health and prosperity of all marine life. Today is the start of #CoralReefAwarenessWeek! Help us celebrate the beauty and critical role they play in ocean health including:    🪸 Providing habitat to roughly 25% of marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.   🪸 Providing dense algae & plankton populations as food chain building blocks 🪸 Acting as natural barriers protecting coastlines from erosion   🪸 Playing a key role in absorbing CO2, helping mitigate climate change   🪸 Participating in nutrient cycling within marine ecosystems, contributing to the recycling and circulation of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, through interactions with algae, fish and other organisms.     Coral reefs are an essential ecosystem to protect and conserve. Learn more about Pacific Whale Foundation’s reef cleanups and monitoring here https://bit.ly/416d3UD    #coralreefconservation #coralreefmonitoring #maui #mauihawaii #PacificWhaleFoundation 

The Red Sea is the hottest, and saltiest sea on earth, but vibrant, healthy coral reefs thrive here. Researchers want to understand what makes these corals so resilient, as it could unlock how to saving threatened reefs around the world. In other regions, climate change is causing abnormally high ocean temperatures and increased acidification, both of which are damaging many large coral reefs. Coral reefs provide refuge and food for the majority of ocean life, so saving them is a top priority in preserving the health of the ocean. Watch the full video now, on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/e4ckWa8Q 📍Red Sea with National Center for Wildlife #RSDE #redsea #coralreefs #climatechange #coral

🌊🌲 Dive into Action: Let’s Protect Oregon’s Underwater Forests! 🌲🌊 Oregon, known for its vast terrestrial forests home to over 10 billion trees, also harbors lush underwater forests just off its coastline. Oregon's kelp forests and eelgrass meadows are not just beautiful; they're crucial for combating climate change, storing carbon, stabilizing shorelines, and providing habitats for marine life. 🍃🐟 However, these vital ecosystems face threats from warmer seas, rising tides, and invasive species like the purple sea urchins and European green crabs, leading to significant declines in their health. This has devastating effects not only on the environment but also on our nearshore wildlife and the overall resilience of Oregon’s coast. 🌡️🦀 But there’s hope! Efforts are underway to reintroduce sea otters and sunflower sea stars, which could help control urchin populations and restore balance to these ecosystems. 🦦⭐ Furthermore, legislation such as the Help Our Kelp Act and initiatives by the The Oregon Kelp Alliance aim to conserve, protect, and restore our underwater forests. 📜🌊 These underwater forests are vital for a healthy Oregon, helping mitigate the effects of climate change and serving as a habitat for countless marine species. Let’s rally together to protect these magical places that make Oregon uniquely beautiful and resilient. 🙌💚 https://lnkd.in/gT5s3YB5 #ProtectOurOceans #UnderwaterForests #OregonConservation #ClimateAction #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableFuture #Kelp

🦈🌊 Sharks: Guardians of Our Seas🌊🦈 Sharks are more than just fearsome predators—they're essential to our ocean ecosystem! Here's why they matter: 1. Keeping the Food Web Healthy: As apex predators, sharks regulate marine populations, ensuring balance in the food chain. 2. Promoting Greater Diversity: Their diverse diets contribute to a thriving ecosystem. 3. Maintaining Seagrass Meadows: Sharks indirectly protect seagrass habitats by controlling herbivore populations. 4. Protecting Coral Reef Systems: By preying on herbivores, they prevent overgrazing of coral reefs. 5. Maintaining the Carbon Cycle: Sharks play a role in carbon sequestration, benefiting our climate. 6. Supporting Eco-tourism: Shark-related tourism benefits local communities and raises awareness about conservation. Next time you spot a shark, remember - they're not just fascinating creatures; they're vital guardians of our oceans! 🌎🔵 🌊 #SharkWeek #OceanConservation

🌿🌏 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀! Today, we recognize the invaluable role of mangroves in protecting our coastlines, supporting diverse marine life, and mitigating climate change. Mangroves act as natural barriers against storms, reduce coastal erosion, and provide vital habitats for numerous species. Join us in our commitment to preserve and restore these essential ecosystems. Here's how you can get involved: - Participate in local mangrove growing activities. - Support conservation organizations working to protect mangroves. - Educate others about the importance of mangroves and their ecological benefits. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our coastal communities and the planet. #WorldMangroveDay #CCEF #ProtectOurMangroves #SustainableFuture #MarineLife #ClimateAction

Seabirds are birds that live mostly in the ocean environment. They usually live near coasts, on islands, or out at sea. Seabirds have special adaptations that help them survive in the sea, like the ability to drink saltwater, strong wings for long flights, and waterproof feathers. They feed by diving, catching fish at the surface, or eating small sea creatures like plankton. Seabirds often migrate long distances, crossing oceans from one continent to another. Seabirds are important for ocean ecosystems because they help control fish populations and other sea life. However, many seabird species are threatened by climate change, ocean pollution, and overfishing #seabirds #bebeklaut #nelayanpro

🌅Is there still room for nature in our Belgian coast? This is the question you may ask when you scan our coastline, as most of what you see are buildings. Could you imagine a Belgian coast where sandbanks, beaches, dunes, and polders are connected in one flowing landscape? A coast where nature gets its rightful spot next to the existing buildings, where you can enjoy all types of coastal vegetation, and most importantly a coast that protects us against the effects of the climate crisis. 🌊Coastal connectivity is a crucial ally in the fight against the climate crisis. Both offshore sandbanks, and beaches and dunes dampen wave energy, reducing the force with which waves crash on the coast. Dynamic dunes provide natural coastal protection against sea level rise and are our natural piggy bank for coastal sand supplies. By investing in coastal connectivity along the entire Belgian coast, we are also investing in restoring our natural coastal protection. 🌟4Sea asks coastal connectivity be formally recognized as the most effective way to achieve a climate-resilient, biodiverse coastline and coastal protection now and in the future. #coastalprotection #dunes #climatechange #4Sea #NorthSea Image: Gert Vanautgaerden

Have you heard about coral nurseries? Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. They provide shelter to an abundance of marine life and are crucial to the health of our ocean’s delicate ecosystem. They aren’t just pretty to look at – we need them! With World Ocean Day taking place this week, we’re shedding a spotlight on coral reefs and the significant role they play. Some of their important jobs include: -Protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. -Providing shelter, feeding and nursery grounds for thousands of fish species. -Absorbing excess carbon dioxide in the water. Environmental factors, such as ocean’s warming up, acidification, bleaching and disease outbreaks, all threaten the survival of coral reefs. Humans also have a negative impact on reefs through activities like overfishing, pollution and damage caused by boat anchors. So how do we restore what we have destroyed? With coral nurseries. At our hub in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, participants work alongside marine biologists to grow coral in underwater nurseries which will later be used to repopulate damaged reefs. By supporting coral nurseries, we’re investing in the future of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Find out more about our Mexico marine conservation programs here: https://lnkd.in/d8RyKcFz #coralreef #marineconservation #conservation #climatechange

Today, we shine a spotlight on the beauty and importance of coral reefs, and the urgent need to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Why Coral Reefs Matter: 🐚 Home to 25% of all marine life 🐠 Provide food for over 1.2 billion people 🪸 Generate $36 billion annually in tourism 🏝️ Protect coastlines from storms and erosion Despite their importance, coral reefs are in peril. Climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices have led to the loss of over 50% of the world's coral cover. Without immediate action, most coral reefs could disappear by the end of this century. At Archireef, we’re dedicated to reversing this trend through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Our 3D-printed Reef Tiles, made from eco-friendly terracotta clay, provide a perfect substrate for corals, significantly improving their survivorship rates. Join Us in Making a Difference: - Spread Awareness: Share this post to educate others about the importance of coral reefs. - Support Our Projects: Learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved at www.archireef.co. - Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on our restoration efforts. Together, we can restore the vibrant underwater cities that sustain marine life and protect our planet. #WorldReefAwarenessDay #CoralReefs #MarineConservation #Archireef #SustainableFuture