Lagoon Catamarans’ Post

For this Monday meet up, no 23, I present to you the great barrier reef, where as we speak yet another mass bleaching event is taking place. This event is the fifth bleaching event since 2016, whereas before 2016 only two of such bleaching events were recorded ever in the 18 million years of existence of the reef. Bleaching occurs when the coral experience heat stress and then start to expel the algae that the coral need to thrive and keep their colour. https://lnkd.in/ea6KZ5gH The Great Barrier Reef spans 348.000 km2. Stretching out over 14 degrees of latitude the reef used to contain 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish from the smallest tropical fishes to some of the world largest varieties of sharks. It used to house around 4.000 types of mollusc and species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction. It was awarded the Unesco World Heritage status in 1981. But since 2016 the reef is experiencing a dramatic transformation, leaving less and less for UNESCO to protect. Once vibrant corals now glow an eerie pale white, and gone are most of the flourishing marine communities, leaving behind nothing but desolate, chalky ruins. In 2016, the Great Barrier Reef suffered its worst ever coral bleaching event, resulting in the largest loss of corals ever recorded. Around 93 percent of the site’s 2,900 individual reefs was affected to some degree. And, sadly, the reef is not, and will not be, granted time for recovery. Well, at least we'll have the pictures... #australia #marineconservation #reef #coralreefs #bleaching #fish #sharks #extinction #globalwarming #ecocide #unesco #unescoworldheritage #animals #humanity #climatejustice #climatejusticenow #environmentaljustice #stopecocide #takeaction #takeactionnow #climatechange #climatecrisis #klimaatverandering #klimaatcrisis #nature #Earth #oceans #oceanconservation #noplanetb #degrowth #chutzpah #hubris #hoogmoed #IamEarth #weareEarth Business Destinations Magazine BBC UNESCO Ocean UN Biodiversity United Nations Greenpeace Sea Shepherd Global Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Sea Shepherd France Naturalis Biodiversity Center Nederland Stop Ecocide NL Stop Ecocide International 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄

🌎 Invasive Stolon Coral Threatens Venezuela's Marine Ecosystems 🌊 Unomia stolonifera, commonly known as the "stolon coral," is posing significant #environmentalthreats to Venezuela's #marineecosystems. This #invasivespecies, characterized by its robust, stolon-like structures, aggressively #colonizes and #displaces #native #coralspecies, disrupting local #biodiversity. Its rapid spread is primarily facilitated by international #shipping activities, as it attaches to #ship hulls and is transported across #seas. In #Venezuela, where #coralreefs support local #fisheries and #tourism, the proliferation of #Unomiastolonifera threatens these vital #economicresources by altering #habitat structures and competitive dynamics.

#SundaySpecies Coral Spawning: This is how corals reproduce 🪸 Coral spawning is a once-a-year natural phenomenon where corals release eggs and sperm into the water simultaneously. This synchronized event ensures the continuation of coral reefs, one of the planet's most biodiverse and valuable ecosystems. Coral reefs are crucial, providing coastal protection, tourism, and livelihoods for over a billion people, with services valued at up to $9.9 trillion annually! As part of the #OceanDecade, scientiests across the globe are developing and implementing projects to protect and restore coral reefs, such as the "Pacific Coral Reef Action Science and Knowledge". Led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Samoa, this initiative aims to support Pacific Island countries in building resilience for coral reefs. It focuses on eight key action areas to manage and protect the 25% of the world's coral reefs within their jurisdiction. 👉 https://ow.ly/A5Zk50S44Y7 🎥: Gabriel Guzman | underwater_images #WorldReefDay #WorldReefAwarenessDay

Oceans really do have no borders Collaborative monitoring by Oceans Without Borders in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago National Park seascape is off to an exciting start. An endangered hawksbill turtle was seen in the mangroves on Santa Carolina Island, and while reef fish are known to go into these mangroves, the presence of turtles is a clear indicator of the connectivity between the key habitats of seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangroves. ---------- 📷: Leo Gungolo (Oceans Without Borders) 📍: Bazaruto Archipelago National Park 🌍: Mozambique ---------- #seewhatliesbeyond #andbeyondtravel #travelinspiration #traveldeeper #andbeyondsafari #responsibletravel #sustainabletravel #impact #andbeyondimpact #oceanswithoutborders #legacy

The Belize Barrier Reef System is an anchor of both the national economy and individual livelihoods in Belize. Its significance stems from its crucial role in tourism and fishing, which support nearly half of the country’s population. Given its immense value to the nation, safeguarding this natural treasure is not just an environmental obligation but an economic necessity for Belize and its people. Learn more about Oceana's campaign to protect the Belize Barrier Reef System: https://oceana.ly/3YwWjqA

When newly hatched sea turtles emerge from their nests at night, they depend on the natural light of the ocean horizon to find their way to the sea. Typical pool lights can confuse new hatchlings and draw them dangerously inland. The Turtle-Safe Pool & Spa Light was developed to protect sea turtles in their natural coastal habitats from the adverse effects of artificial lighting. If you live along the southern east coast of the U.S., you are probably familiar with these lights. See why Blue Square's Turtle Lights are the best in the industry and the most appealing option at https://lnkd.in/gGz-b64r

🐚🪸 Dive into the vibrant reefs with IMPRESS Project and celebrate World Reef Day! These underwater communities are alive with colourful fish darting through the corals like busy commuters. 🐠 Reefs protect our shores, soften the impact of waves, and prevent beach erosion.  These living rainbows, built by tiny coral polyps, form expansive underwater kingdoms. 🏰 🌊 Beneath the waves, corals and algae share a perfect symbiosis, with algae providing a sunny feast inside the coral's home. ☀️ However, these ocean treasures are sensitive to temperature changes. Even a slight increase can cause coral bleaching! Let's work together to keep our oceans cool and save the reefs! 🌡️💧 Do it by spreading awareness, taking action, and making a difference! #HorizonEurope #ResearchImpactEU #BlueEconomy #SustainableGrowth

🌊 Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and human activities are pushing coral reefs to a delicate tipping point. 🚨 🐠 Coral reefs, the kaleidoscopic jewels of our oceans, are facing unprecedented threats. It's time we recognize their pivotal role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. 🛡️ From providing a habitat for diverse marine life to acting as natural barriers against storms, coral reefs are the lifelines of our oceans. They contribute to global fisheries, tourism, and are a source of potential medical breakthroughs. 🌐 Let's contribute to preserve Coral Reefs 🐠 💙 #ProtectOurReefs #OceanGuardians #CoralReefProtection #SustainabilityChampions https://lnkd.in/gHQ8cv9P

Highly cited coral reef biologists were not consulted for this article, hence there are elements of missing crucial knowledge and science. There are also some hints of denial as well. Personally, I’d suggest people who haven’t visited or re-visited the #gbr should not leave it for much longer. This is known as “last chance” #tourism. #coralreefs #coralbleaching #globalheating https://lnkd.in/gN9BknG4

At approximately 625 miles long, the Mesoamerican Reef is a natural wonder and one of the largest structures ever created by living things.