ReefCycle’s Post

Welcoming our corals back! During this summer's historic heatwave, Florida's Coral Reef suffered widespread coral bleaching and mortality. In response, Coral Restoration Foundation™ (CRF™) relocated thousands of corals from their ocean-based nurseries to protect them from the extreme heat. Now, that ocean temperatures have lowered consistently, CRF™ is working to return these resilient survivors to their ocean-based nurseries. Offering hope for the future of coral reefs amidst the climate change challenges. In the first coral return phase, 362 non-Acroporid corals, such as boulder and star corals, along with a small selection of staghorn and elkhorn corals, were brought back to the CRF™ Coral Tree nursery. These corals are now under a 30-day quarantine for disease monitoring, ensuring the safety of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Once they pass this period, they will join CRF™'s restoration efforts, contributing to the future reefs and gene bank. A big thanks to the support from the amazing team from Georgia Aquarium for helping us construct the Coral Bus. This project was completed with funds from NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program through the Mission:Iconic Reefs Capacity Building grant, awarded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation NOAA Fisheries Keep up with us this month as we continue to return corals back to the oceans! 📸 Jackson Harris for Coral Restoration Foundation #coralrestoration #coralreef #coralgrowth #generationrestoration #photomosaic #technology #wildlife #reefhealth #raisethereef #impact #protectwhatyoulove #dowhatyoulove #reefbuilders #savethereef #marineconservation #chooseyourchange #reefrestoration #coralreefs #restorereefs #conservation #oceanoptimism #oceanheroes #explore #explorepage #trending #foryou #fyp

It’s great to see that California’s kelp forests are responding in such positive ways to restoration efforts. We can make even more progress with the passage in 2024 of the Ocean Life Recovery Act (AB 1407), authored by Assemblymember Dawn Addis with principal co-author State Sen. John Laird. The bill would establish recovery goals for California’s kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and native oyster beds – and support a coordinated recovery strategy. It has the backing of Monterey Bay Aquarium and The Nature Conservancy in California. https://lnkd.in/gz27_52s #MarineEcosystems #EcosystemRestoration #CaliforniaCoast #kelp #oysters #seagrass

Title: "On the Brink: The Troubling Decline of Global Sharks Populations" In this insightful article, the alarming decline of global shark populations is brought to the forefront. Sharks, ancient and vital to our oceans, are facing a critical threat from human actions. The article highlights the profound role sharks play as regulators of marine ecosystems and guardians of the deep. It delves into their ecological significance, including the prevention of imbalances, maintenance of species diversity, and contribution to nutrient and carbon cycling. The economic and ecological consequences of declining shark populations are detailed, emphasizing how their thriving presence benefits coastal communities and marine food webs. The article spotlights the economic value of shark-related industries, such as shark diving, and contrasts it with the detrimental impact of shark finning. Despite the challenges, the article offers hope by outlining crucial steps for shark conservation. It underscores the importance of enforcing conservation measures, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Public awareness and education are deemed indispensable in reshaping the perception of sharks and fostering conservation efforts. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the moral duty of humanity to protect these ancient creatures. It's a call to action, urging readers to support sustainable seafood, advocate for marine conservation, and spread awareness to preserve the heartbeat of our oceans. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g6u6erNa #SharkConservation #OceanSustainability #EndangeredSpecies #SharkFinning

#world #turtle #day. Age makes us all move a little slower, but the world's oldest living land animal is at least used to the pace.By the name of #Jonathan, who just reached the estimated age of #191 this year - a milestone even for his long-lived species. #Title: Celebrating World Turtle Day: #ACalltoActionfor #TurtleConservation As we celebrate World Turtle Day on #May #23rd It's essential to reflect on the significance of these incredible creatures in our ecosystems and the urgent need for their conservation. Turtles and tortoises have roamed the Earth for millions of years, embodying resilience, wisdom, and a profound connection to our planet's health. Yet, despite their ancient lineage, turtles face unprecedented threats in the modern world. Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, illegal trade, and bycatch in fishing gear are just some of the challenges pushing many turtle species towards the brink of extinction. As professionals and individuals passionate about environmental sustainability, we have a responsibility to take action to protect turtles and their habitats. Here are some ways we can make a difference this World Turtle Day.  #Educate Ourselves and Others #SupportConservationOrganizations #ReducePlasticPollution #FosterRespectforWildlife .                                   This World Turtle Day, let's reaffirm our commitment to protecting these ancient mariners and the ecosystems they inhabit. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for turtles and all life on Earth. Join me in celebrating World Turtle Day and taking meaningful action towards turtle conservation. #Togetherwecanbethechangeourplanetneeds. #WorldTurtleDay #TurtleConservation #ProtectOurTurtles #EnvironmentalConservation

Today marks World Mangrove Day, a celebration of these incredible coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are remarkable for their ability to absorb up to five times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests, making them vital carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. But mangroves are so much more than just carbon storage. They are vibrant, biodiverse habitats that provide crucial services to coastal communities. Their extensive root systems stabilize shorelines and shield coasts from erosion and extreme weather. Mangrove forests are home to a wealth of bird life, serving as nesting, breeding, and feeding grounds for species like the Black-capped Kingfisher, Boat-billed Heron, and Mangrove Pitta. Mangroves are also a crucial stopover for migrating birds, like the Western Sandpiper, which relies on these habitats during its long journey. These coastal forests are truly irreplaceable ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and human communities. On this World Mangrove Day, let's appreciate the vital role these ecosystems play and recommit to protecting and restoring mangrove forests around the world. #WorldMangroveDay #Mangroves #ClimateChange #CoastalProtection #Biodiversity

🌿Honoring Independence Day: Be Wildfire Safe and Environmentally Conscious🌿 As we celebrate Independence Day, the University of San Francisco's Geospatial Information Science Lab encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly. With the heightened risk of wildfires during the summer months, it's crucial to stay wildfire-safe and environmentally sustainable. Tips for a Safe and Eco-Friendly Celebration: 🌎Opt for Alternatives to Fireworks: Fireworks can spark wildfires and disturb wildlife. Consider using LED lights or other non-flammable decorations. 🌎Proper Waste Disposal: Ensure all waste, especially flammable materials, is disposed of properly to prevent accidental fires. 🌎Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from natural habitats and avoid disturbing animals. This helps maintain the ecological balance and protects vulnerable species. For more information on keeping wildlife safe this Independence Day, check out this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service article: https://lnkd.in/eUpPfmGE Let's celebrate responsibly and ensure our environment remains safe and vibrant for future generations! #GsAL #MSEM #IndependenceDay #WildfireSafety #EnvironmentalSustainability #USFCA #GeospatialScience #GISLab

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks of Costa Rica: A Tale of Oceanic Treasures Facing Extinction Costa Rica's oceans are home to a remarkable species: the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark. Known for their distinctive head shape, these creatures play a vital role in our marine ecosystem. However, they face the threat of extinction. In this comprehensive feature, we delve into the lives of these magnificent sharks, explore the challenges they face, and what can be done to protect them. Discover more about Costa Rica's marine biodiversity and how you can contribute to conservation efforts. Read the full story by Clicking the Picture #HowlerMag #OceanConservation #ScallopedHammerhead #CostaRica https://lnkd.in/gTex3JGh

The oceans and the marine life within them are so important to us at JUST ONE Tree! That’s why we’re super excited to partner with WILDCOAST to restore mangroves in two areas of Mexico - Baja California and Oaxaca. The iconic Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the LAST breeding ground of the California gray whale. A study carried out by WILDCOAST (with the support of the United Nations Development Programme) identified 287 acres of potential mangrove restoration sites across Laguna San Ignacio. These have the potential capacity to store up to a whopping 129.8 tons of carbon per acre. So there's lots of work to be done in this area! In Oaxaca, lies Morro Ayuta - at 9 miles long, it's the second most important mass nesting beach in the world for Olive Ridley sea turtles. The mangroves and dunes provide protection to over one million sea turtles that arrive each year to nest. However, sedimentation from upland deforestation, illegal logging and fires have degraded the mangrove forest that surrounds Morro Ayuta, putting this beach and the sea turtles at risk. We're thrilled that JUST ONE Tree is now part of this important mangrove restoration work, which will help combat climate change, support the local communities and protect such amazing marine life. #conservation #mangroves #restoration #undp Amanda Bronkhorst

🌊 Day 4: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Resilience at Carysfort Reef! 🎗️🌅 #12DaysOfCoralCountdown As we journey into April 2023, we reflect on the dynamic nature of our coral conservation efforts, acknowledging both triumphs and challenges at Carysfort Reef. 🏝️🌊 For years, Carysfort Reef has been a testament to the dedication of our restoration efforts. Today, we revisit Carysfort Reef thriving before this year’s bleaching event. This summer it was incredibly hard to watch so much of our work impacted by the unprecedented heat... But, in this moment, we are reminded of our capacity to restore coral populations on a massive scale, and remember that despite these challenges, we have the capacity to bring these corals back. Since 2007, the Coral Restoration Foundation™ has successfully returned over 60,000 staghorn, elkhorn, and boulder corals to Carysfort Reef. And this video serves as a reminder of what we can achieve together. 🌐💙 Long-term success demands collective dedication. We can't do it alone. It requires prioritizing these vital animals and the ecosystems they create. Your recognition of their importance is crucial for charting a sustainable course forward. 🗝️🌏 Stay tuned for more insights as we continue our 12-day journey through the highs and lows of coral conservation. 🌊 #CarysfortResilience #CoralConservationJourney #generationrestoration #wildlife #reefhealth #raisethereef #impact #protectwhatyoulove #dowhatyoulove #reefbuilders #savethereef #wethereef #oceanstewards #reefbuildingcoral #coralpassion #oceanrescue #rescueandrehabilitation #marineconservation

How can scientists be sure that a looks-good-on-paper solution will help a vulnerable reef? A #digitaltwin can demonstrate the effectiveness of various interventions, allowing stakeholders to make tweaks before investing time and money! Check out the #DigitalReef tool from #WHOI scientist Anne Cohen ⤵