Katarzyna Grudzień’s Post

Last Saturday was World Oceans Day. On this day 5 years ago, I was living on this tiny island in Fiji, researching an invasive species called the Crown-of-thorn (COT). The island in the picture below looks pretty untouched right? On the surface it was, and the reef around it was a Marine Protected Area so we expected to see an abundance of life and untouched coral. On my first dive of the trip as we descended, I noticed a coral graveyard as far as we could see, no fish, and hundreds of Crown-of-thorns covering the dead coral. Crown-of-thorns are coral predators; they are a type of large starfish and have an enormous appetite for eating hard coral. They like warm water and tend to reproduce quickly in summer months or when the sea temperatures are warmer. In this little reef in Fiji, there were no fish, because there was no coral, and there was no coral, because there were too many COTs, and the reason for that was because the sea temperatures were so warm, and have only increased year-on-year since then. After talking to the local community, I realised the problem was far greater than just the fish in that reef, the community were struggling to catch fish (their main source of protein), and they were struggling financially because their main industry was fishing (sustainable low-impact rod fishing). The sad thing is that they were not responsible for this impact, they don't have cars, or planes, or any large emitters. We are responsible for it. We are the large emitters pumping carbon into the air, and consequently the sea temperatures are rising and coastal communities all over the world are suffering our impacts. I guess the point of telling this story is that the ocean is incredibly important for #LifeonEarth. It is our largest carbon sink, and lungs to our planet. Our actions are having an impact far greater than just #LifeBelowWater, and we need to protect the ocean every day if we want to live in a habitable world. Happy World Oceans Day, let's start to celebrate it every day! #WorldOceansDay #Sustainability #CoralBleaching #MarineConservation #CoralReefRestoration Ocean Culture Life True Limited

Happy World Oceans Day! 🌱🌎🐟 Two million square miles of floating forest. One of the most extraordinary, complex and least understood ecosystems on the planet. Supporting migratory birds, dolphins, whales, turtles, fish and even freshwater eels... the list goes on. But it is not just for the migratory travelers. Hidden away in its branches a remarkable collection of tiny creatures depend upon it for their home and live their entire lives within it. The Sargassum crab and Sargassum nudibranch shelter within the tangle, and the iconic Sargassum frogfish lies in wait to ambush its prey. Even we humans depend upon this floating forest as it breathes in vast amounts of carbon dioxide and exhales the oxygen without which we cannot survive. This golden floating forest is called, the Sargasso Sea. Way out in the middle of the Atlantic the Sargasso Sea has remained unspoiled, protected by its remote location. But that is changing. We humans are now dramatically impacting even this pristine sanctuary. As a high seas ecosystem, the Sargasso Sea is remote and difficult to study - but we know that this oceanic forest is vital for the health of the ocean, our planet and ourselves. Shipping, fishing, pollution, plastic, and climate change create a toxic brew that poisons this unique natural phenomenon. And some of the ocean’s most iconic creatures: bottlenose dolphins; humpback and sperm whales, manta rays, turtles, and sharks all depend on the Sargasso Sea to survive. 🌐 The Sargasso Sea Commissiom continues to work towards this iconic evoystem’s protection. Visit our website for more info! Video by Robert Zuill, narrated by Tammy Warren. 📹 Footage from a range of amazing Sargasso Sea supporters including JP Rouja, Andrew Stevenson, Greenpeace and more. This video was created for the SSC 10th anniversary. Watch the whole thing on youtube! https://lnkd.in/eD5a_7ye #worldoceansday

On today World Ocean Day 🌊, we’re spotlighting this year’s theme ‘Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate’ by highlighting a number of brand initiatives from Citizen Brands. Our first spotlight brand is Sheba, Mars's beloved cat food brand. 🐈 Our planet faces an urgent climate crisis, and the health of our oceans is critical in combating this threat. Sheba has been making waves since 2021 with its Hope Grows initiative, the world’s largest coral reef restoration programme 🪸🪸🪸. Sheba has pledged to restore over 185,000 sq metres of coral reefs by 2029, an effort that underscores the interdependence of all life forms – from our feline friends to marine ecosystems. At the heart of this initiative is Hope Reef, a 150-ft-long restored reef off Salisi’ Besar that spells out the word HOPE, visible from space. This beacon of restoration demonstrates the power of human innovation to address environmental challenges. 💗 Scientists warn that 90% of the world’s tropical reefs could vanish by 2043, threatening the survival of 25% of all marine species. Sheba’s use of ‘reef star’ technology in reef restoration shows that solutions to man-made problems are within our grasp. 🐠 Sheba’s mission goes beyond restoration; it aims to inspire governments, businesses, and communities to join the cause. By taking the lead, Sheba is creating ripples of change that can grow into waves of collective action for ocean health. Let’s celebrate World Ocean Day 🌊 by acknowledging Sheba’s extraordinary efforts. Together, we can protect and restore our oceans, ensuring a vibrant, healthy planet for all species. Here’s to making HOPE visible from space and beyond! 🌌🪸 #worldoceansday #ocean #oceanlife #Citizenbrands #CitizenGood #Beaforceforgood

We're at a critical moment for one of the Earth’s natural treasures - coral reefs. It’s a huge deal because losing them isn’t just a loss of beauty, it's a loss of a vital ecosystem that affects us all. 🌊 Why We Need to Care About Coral Reefs Imagine this: Coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, yet they are home to a quarter of all marine life. They’re not just a pretty sight, they buffer shorelines against storms and support economies around the world. The health of these reefs impacts global biodiversity and the wellbeing of millions. 🔥 Bleaching Coral reefs are in crisis. Rising temperatures mean more severe bleaching events, where corals lose the algae they depend on, leaving them vulnerable and pale. This isn’t just happening in far-off places it's a global issue that has already wiped out half of the world’s reefs in just 30 years. If we don’t act, we might lose them in our lifetime. 🌐 Solutions But there’s good news. Innovations like 'coral IVF' and acoustic restoration are making waves in reef recovery. These methods are seeing success in places like the Maldives and could be game-changers in our fight to save these ecosystems. We’re inspired by these solutions. When we learn to protect our oceans, they, in turn, will continue to sustain and protect us all. Read more below 👇 https://lnkd.in/dTT6Rgtt #BlueEarthSummit #CoralConservation #ClimateAction #OceanPreservation

It's World Ocean Day, and it just so happened that Cosmaline recently introduced two new Sun Oils, completing the consumer-favorite Cosmaline Sun Range. Whether you're seeking ultimate protection or an intensive tanning experience, they have you covered! But that's not all—the best part is that the entire collection is Reef Safe, meaning none of the ingredients that could seep into the water will disrupt coral reproduction and growth cycles. As we enjoy summer and beach days, let's also commit to protecting our oceans. Cosmaline's Coral Reef Safe Sun Range ensures you can enjoy the sun responsibly and help preserve marine life. Happy International Ocean Day! ☀🌊☮ Check the full collection here: https://lnkd.in/d6MwHxwZ #WorldOceanDay #Cosmaline #SunCare #ReefSafe #OceanProtection #Sustainability #CoralReefSafe #EcoFriendly #WeAreMaliaGroup #ProtectOurOceans #SunSafety #NewLaunch #SummerVibes #EnvironmentalAwareness

Today is World Turtle Day. Turtles have played a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of our marine habitats. They ensure productive coral reefs and transfer vital nutrients from the ocean to coastal dunes. This article highlight how turtle and coral reefs are related. https://lnkd.in/dAfbvEvU

Marine Sanctuaries are home to some of the ocean’s most biologically diverse and culturally significant marine areas, and we need to ensure that these critical areas are protected from harmful chemicals, in addition to other damaging practices like oil and gas extraction To keep ocean life happy, the key is to find an SPF that uses physical UVA and UVB filters (as opposed to the chemical ones that have been connected to coral reef deterioration). You’ll be able to find them by flipping the SPF tube over and looking for the active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form an actual physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays (whereas chemical filters absorb UV and turn it into heat that’s released from skin). One way we can all help our oceans this summer is usually using ocean friendly sometimes lotion and beauty products. Greenpeople sell these products. We are also sell OceanSaver products at our once a month Sussex Green hub plus from our eco-Float at Events this summer. Learn which events we are attending here https://lnkd.in/dEQCK2Qb

A friend once asked me, “Why do you love the Ocean? Why are you advocating and voicing for it’s protection? What’s so special about it?” Well, I’ve lived within walking distance of the Ocean. Over the course of twelve years, I’ve waded in the Ocean, swum in it, walked along its edge, fallen into it, snorkelled and dived maasively in it, explored it, and occasionally almost drowned in it. I’ve seen the Ocean in its many moods; the calm, ironed waters of a lagoon; the rough, angry waves tossing boats from side to side in a storm; the playful waves that ripple back and forth on the beach and glitter invitingly in the sunlight; the ocean at night, with its slick, black waves that heave and recede intimidatingly as if daring you to come explore its magnificent, and magical existence of it’s depths. Whatever mood the Ocean is in, it never fails to fill me with wonder. Wonder at its seeming limitlessness. Its sheer power. Its beauty and majesty. See, a pool can’t compare to the Ocean. In a pool, you can’t look at the bottom and marvel at the different colours of rock and sand that lie there. A pool doesn’t host countless species of fish that dart between patches of coral and seaweed, or crabs that burrow in the sediment accumulated on the floor. Sure, you can swim in a pool, but the Ocean is so much more than that. It’s a home. I haven’t even started on how rich and abundant the ecosystem in the Ocean is. Talk about biodiversity and the life below it. Not only that, but it’s immeasurably vast. There are parts of the Ocean where no ship has ever sailed, depths no human has ever seen nor explored. It’s finite, of course, but it’s mysterious, different and intriguing. The Ocean is far too large for me to wrap my head around, and that’s part of the reason I love it so much. Standing on the shore, looking out to see miles upon miles of Ocean unbroken by a single rock or island, I am in awe of how large it is, and how small I am. It makes me feel insignificant, but in a good way. The Ocean is powerful. It's vengeful and we must respect it. It's peaceful and calming. It speaks a language that can send you to sleep with the lullaby of the waves gently lapping the shore. Or it can wake you with its almighty roar, smashing against the rocks, warning you not to enter. For me, the Ocean is a magical world, full of possibility. Swimming just below the surface of the blue Ocean water, letting the waves dictate my body’s movements as I occasionally come up to take gulps of air that smell distinctly salty, I am completely filled with that feeling of insignificance. Except that’s not quite the best way to put it; the word insignificant has a negative connotation. Perhaps the best words to describe the way the Ocean makes me feel is that it makes me feel like part of something much larger. A tiny, but essential cog in the intricate, complicated gear system of the universe. Happy New Year!💙 #OceanConservation #OceanLife

🌊 Coral Reefs: Vital to Our Planet's Health Coral reefs are among the world's largest living structures and are visible from space! These diverse ecosystems are built by coral polyps, ranging from large colonies to small, solitary organisms. 🪼 Shallow water corals share a unique symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, benefiting mutually. Deep-sea corals, however, thrive without these algae, relying on plankton for energy. Coral reefs protect coastlines, support local economies through fishing, diving, and tourism, and are a source of food and medicine for over half a billion people. They also hold cultural significance for many indigenous communities. Protecting coral reefs is essential. Let's work together to ensure these invaluable ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come! 🌍💙 #CoralReefs #OceanConservation #MarineBiodiversity #ProtectOurOceans #EcoFriendly #SustainableLiving #MarineLife #SaveOurReefs #OceanProtection #EnvironmentalImpact

"Widespread, rapid and intensifying"... That's what the IPCC described the threat to coastal ecosystems by the end of the century, as a result of climate change. But what does this mean for the surrounding wildlife? I came across an article about the affect this could have on our sea turtles and felt compelled to write and draw about it... 🐢 To know how this affects these animals, it's important to know that sea turtles who are ready to lay their eggs begin their migration back to the exact same beaches they were born, to give birth to their own young..... I did not know this until recently! 🐢 It takes them roughly 20 years to get to this fertile nesting stage of their lives, and unfortunately a lot of human interference can happen during this time, meaning the beaches aren’t always 'available' by the time they return. Can you imagine what would happen if we stopped building in the cheapest, fastest way we do and actually took into account how our infrastructures affect the natural world? What if we learnt to build around the natural living world or even in harmony with it? Can you imagine a world where we don’t live within these fundamental learnings that we own, control and have the right to manipulate the natural world? That's for sure a world and a mindset I want my kids to grow up with. #sustainability #climatechange #coastalprotection https://lnkd.in/esRXKRad