#commontwobandedseabream

[nimblechameleon]

Urchins abound! Found snorkeling/free diving, a few vibrant and colorful gems (though just the test or skeleton of deceased) from the near shore of #OtokZlarin #ZlarinIsland in Croatia (see previous posts about site visit for @smilo_org). I saw a lot of #seaurchins, #seacucumbers, 6 or 7 fish species, including more than one monster #gobyfish, some #needlefish, and some #commontwobandedseabream, which remain on the #IUCNredlist as a threatened species. - - This past May, 70 university students from #Zagreb worked on #Zlarin doing a major #environmental/#biodiversity review of the island that will include a geo-referenced map. They are still compiling and will be back for a return visit for follow up. Some interesting findings with a couple of surprises (I will wait for the report before dropping early details). The report did encourage the local team to think about other strategies and projects for implementation when consideration locations for improvement/development and things like #sustainabletourism. #sustainableislands #islandresilience #resilientcommunities #precovery #resilience #precoverymindset #bluemind #latergram - - Note: when I used this picture of the urchin tests in another post I had people ask if I brought them home with me. I did not. I put them back in the sea. Having signed the #PalauPledge in honor of the nation’s children (see below) in my passport upon my first work visit to the island nation of #Palau, I took it upon myself to extend that pledge to all the places I visit and work, with few exceptions. It’s just become part of my practice. I encourage others to look into the pledge, sign it, at www.palaupledge.com and if you want to be in touch with those involved let me know. - - 1. Don’t touch or step on coral 2. Do learn about the culture and people 3. Don’t smoke in restricted areas 4. Don’t collect marine life souvenirs 5. Don’t feed the fish and sharks 6. Don’t drag fins over coral when swimming 7. Don’t take fruit or flowers from gardens 8. Do support local businesses and communities 9. Don’t litter 10. Don’t touch or chase wildlife 11. Do get others to respect the customs (at Zlarin, Otok Zlarin) https://www.instagram.com/p/B20Ogy2gWQR/?igshid=1cf21kpfsmu2l