#coral reef protection

[attheideality]

10 Ethical Sunscreen Brands: Protect Your Skin and the Ocean

[reasonsforhope]

"The world's coral reefs are close to 25 percent larger than we thought. By using satellite images, machine learning and on-ground knowledge from a global network of people living and working on coral reefs, we found an extra 64,000 square kilometers (24,700 square miles) of coral reefs – an area the size of Ireland.

That brings the total size of the planet's shallow reefs (meaning 0-20 meters deep) to 348,000 square kilometers – the size of Germany. This figure represents whole coral reef ecosystems, ranging from sandy-bottomed lagoons with a little coral, to coral rubble flats, to living walls of coral.

Within this 348,000 km² of coral is 80,000 km² where there's a hard bottom – rocks rather than sand. These areas are likely to be home to significant amounts of coral – the places snorkelers and scuba divers most like to visit.

You might wonder why we're finding this out now. Didn't we already know where the world's reefs are?

Previously, we've had to pull data from many different sources, which made it harder to pin down the extent of coral reefs with certainty. But now we have high resolution satellite data covering the entire world – and are able to see reefs as deep as 30 meters down.

Pictured: Geomorphic mapping (left) compared to new reef extent (red shading, right image) in the northern Great Barrier Reef.

[AKA: All the stuff in red on that map is coral reef we did not realize existed!! Coral reefs cover so much more territory than we thought! And that's just one example. (From northern Queensland)]

We coupled this with direct observations and records of coral reefs from over 400 individuals and organizations in countries with coral reefs from all regions, such as the Maldives, Cuba, and Australia.

To produce the maps, we used machine learning techniques to chew through 100 trillion pixels from the Sentinel-2 and Planet Dove CubeSat satellites to make accurate predictions about where coral is – and is not. The team worked with almost 500 researchers and collaborators to make the maps.

The result: the world's first comprehensive map of coral reefs extent, and their composition, produced through the Allen Coral Atlas. [You can see the interactive maps yourself at the link!]

The maps are already proving their worth. Reef management agencies around the world are using them to plan and assess conservation work and threats to reefs."

-via ScienceDirect, February 15, 2024

[idlenight]

I’m awake. And still on my HG bullshit. Naturally.

Hollow Ground most definitely has a more normal name they go by, as did their youngest sibling. While I’m sure we’ll get to hear what it is one day, have YOU named HG and their sibling in the meantime?

(I have)

(I’ve named my HG Coral, and the sibling is Lake)

[chrismho]

Mermay 2023 Drawing Challenge, Day 8 - Dystopian 

A dystopia is defined as an imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice-- unfortunately as governments and companies continue to run unsustainably, wastefully, and without regulation, as they continue to ignore what is becoming a seriously, SERIOUSLY big problem, this state seems more and more plausible. The world has lost 30-50% of its coral reefs already according to NOAA. It's still not too late to turn things around. The ocean is such an incredible and breath-taking and awe-inducing world, not to mention we kind of NEED it to survive and thrive! We can definitely make a difference as individual consumers but the real change happens with legislation and policy change.  We need to vote people who care about the planet into office.

[linyidao]

protect coral reef

[greenthestral]

The Vanishing Waters: Unveiling the Alarming Rate of Degradation in Our World's Water-Related Ecosystems

Our planet's water-related ecosystems are the lifeblood of biodiversity and play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. These diverse habitats, ranging from serene lakes and flowing rivers to vibrant coral reefs and teeming wetlands, provide essential services that are essential for human survival and the well-being of countless species. However, a looming crisis threatens the very existence of these vital ecosystems. The world's water-related ecosystems are being degraded at an alarming rate, putting our environment, wildlife, and even our own future at risk. In this article, we will delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to combat this pressing issue and ensure the survival of these precious ecosystems.

The Magnitude of the Crisis

The degradation of water-related ecosystems is a global challenge that requires immediate attention. Around the world, these habitats are facing a range of threats, including pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, climate change, and invasive species. These factors, often interconnected, are wreaking havoc on the delicate balance within these ecosystems.

Pollution: A Slow Poison

One of the leading culprits behind the deterioration of water-related ecosystems is pollution. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage find their way into our waters, contaminating them with harmful chemicals and plastics. These pollutants not only harm aquatic life but also have far-reaching consequences for humans who rely on these water sources for drinking and agriculture.

Habitat Destruction: Losing Our Natural Havens

The relentless expansion of human activities, including deforestation and urbanization, is rapidly encroaching upon the habitats of various aquatic species. Wetlands are drained, mangroves are cleared, and rivers are diverted, disrupting the natural flow and interconnectedness of these ecosystems. As a result, countless species lose their homes and face the threat of extinction.

Overfishing: Depleting the Ocean's Bounty

Overfishing is pushing marine ecosystems to the brink of collapse. Unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices, coupled with the demand for seafood, are causing a decline in fish populations, disrupting food chains, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing for survival.

Climate Change: The Silent Menace

Perhaps the most insidious threat to water-related ecosystems is climate change. Rising global temperatures lead to the melting of polar ice caps, causing sea levels to rise and intensifying storms and floods. These changes have devastating effects on coastal areas, submerging critical habitats, and causing the loss of biodiversity.

Consequences of Ecosystem Degradation

The degradation of water-related ecosystems has severe consequences for both the environment and human societies. As these ecosystems collapse, they disrupt the services they provide, such as water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration, impacting human health and economies worldwide.

Biodiversity Loss: A Precarious Chain Reaction

Water-related ecosystems are home to a vast array of species, many of which are uniquely adapted to these environments. As these habitats deteriorate, many species face extinction, triggering a chain reaction that affects the entire ecosystem. The loss of one species can have cascading effects on others, disrupting the delicate web of life.

Threats to Food Security

Fisheries, both marine and freshwater, play a significant role in providing sustenance to billions of people around the globe. The depletion of fish populations due to overfishing and habitat destruction threatens the food security and livelihoods of millions, particularly in developing countries that heavily rely on fish as a primary protein source.

The Impact on Human Health

The quality of our water is directly linked to our health. Polluted water can cause waterborne diseases, affecting millions of people each year. Additionally, the loss of water-related ecosystems reduces the availability of clean water for drinking and sanitation, exacerbating the global water crisis.

Rising Economic Costs

The degradation of water-related ecosystems comes with a hefty price tag. Loss of fisheries, increased frequency of floods, and the decline of coastal protection services result in billions of dollars in economic losses each year. The expenses related to ecosystem restoration and mitigation efforts add further strain on already burdened economies.

Restoring the Balance: A Call to Action

Despite the grim picture painted by the state of our water-related ecosystems, there is hope. By acknowledging the urgency of the situation and taking collective action, we can begin the process of restoring the balance and ensuring the survival of these vital habitats.

Strengthening Environmental Regulations

Governments and policymakers must implement and enforce stringent environmental regulations to control pollution, protect habitats, and promote sustainable fishing practices. Strengthening international cooperation on environmental issues is also essential, as water-related ecosystems transcend national boundaries.

Sustainable Water Management

Water is a finite resource, and sustainable water management is key to ensuring the survival of water-related ecosystems. Implementing efficient irrigation systems, reducing water wastage, and prioritizing the conservation of natural water bodies are vital steps in this direction.

Embracing Renewable Energy

Transitioning to renewable energy sources can significantly mitigate climate change and its impact on water-related ecosystems. Embracing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in global temperatures.

Community Involvement and Education

Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is crucial for the success of any environmental initiative. Raising awareness about the importance of water-related ecosystems and involving communities in restoration projects fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Supporting Conservation Organizations

Supporting organizations like Green Thestral Inc. that are dedicated to environmental conservation can make a significant difference. Contributing to their efforts through donations or volunteer work helps fund critical projects aimed at protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems.

Conclusion

The state of the world's water-related ecosystems demands urgent attention and action from all corners of society. As individuals, communities, and nations, we hold the power to turn the tide and secure the future of these invaluable habitats. By addressing the root causes of degradation, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting conservation initiatives, we can pave the way for a healthier planet and a brighter future for all living beings. Together, let us safeguard the irreplaceable beauty and biodiversity of our water-related ecosystems for generations to come.

What's In It For Me? (WIIFM)

Are you concerned about the future of our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants? The degradation of the world's water-related ecosystems impacts us all. By understanding the urgency of this issue, we can take action to protect these vital habitats, safeguard our environment, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Discover how you can make a difference in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our precious water ecosystems.

Call to Action (CTA)

Join the movement to save our water-related ecosystems! Take action today by supporting Green Thestral Inc., an organization dedicated to environmental conservation. Donate to fund critical projects, volunteer to restore habitats, and spread awareness about the urgent need to protect these fragile ecosystems. Together, we can make a positive impact and secure the future of our planet's water habitats. Act now and be a part of the solution!

Blog Excerpt

The world's water-related ecosystems are under siege, facing a grave threat from human activities and climate change. These habitats, from serene lakes and rivers to vibrant coral reefs and wetlands, are essential for biodiversity and provide crucial services that sustain life on Earth. However, pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and rising temperatures are pushing these ecosystems to the brink of collapse. In our latest blog article, we delve into the alarming rate of degradation in these habitats, the consequences of their decline, and the actions we can take to protect and restore them. Join us in the fight to safeguard the future of our water-related ecosystems.

Meta Description (320 characters)

Discover the alarming rate of degradation in the world's water-related ecosystems and its impact on our environment. Learn how you can take action and be a part of the solution to protect these vital habitats. Join Green Thestral Inc. in the fight for environmental conservation.

[t-jfh]

Australia gains reprieve on threat to Great Barrier Reef World Heritage status.

By Mike Foley

The Age - August 1, 2023

Great Barrier Reef escapes 'in danger' recommendation ahead of UNESCO World Heritage decision

By the Specialist Reporting Team's Leonie Thorne, Penny Timms, Emilia Terzon and Evan Young

ABC News - 1 August 2023

Great Barrier Reef's first mass bleaching during La Niña season halts coral recovery.

AAP Australian Associated Press

ABC News - 9 August 2023

YouTube video >> Recovery has paused on the Great Barrier Reef - Marine Scientist Dr. Mike Emslie: AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science) annual summary update for 2023 [9 August 2023 / 3mins.+44secs.]:

Dr Mike Emslie says the Great Barrier Reef's recovery has paused.

Climate Change is the greatest threat to the Reef

In-water monitoring hard coral cover across the Great Barrier Reef remains at similar levels to that recorded in 2022, with small decreases in the Northern, Central and Southern regions.

AIMS' Annual Summary Report on Coral Reef Condition for 2022/23 (published 9th August 2023) found that while some reefs continued to recover, their increased hard coral cover was offset by coral loss on other reefs.

Most reefs underwent little change in coral cover.

The pauses in recovery in the Northern and Central regions were due in part to the 2022 mass coral bleaching event. Low numbers of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish and a cyclone in January 2022 also contributed to coral loss in the Northern region.

Continued crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and coral disease kept coral cover similar to last year's levels in the Southern region, with bleaching playing less of a role.

Read the report: https://www.aims.gov.au/monitoring-great-barrier-reef/gbr-condition-summary-2022-23

More about the AIMS Long-Term Monitoring Program: https://www.aims.gov.au/research-topics/monitoring-and-discovery/monitoring-great-barrier-reef/long-term-monitoring-program

YouTube video >> Monitoring the Great Barrier Reef - AIMS Coral Reef Ecologist Kate Osborne [25 July 2022 / 3mins.+52secs.]:

Monitoring the Great Barrier Reef

Not only is the Great Barrier Reef big, it is also diverse and dynamic.

For more than 35 years, the Australian Institute of Marine Science's Long-Term Monitoring Program (LTMP) has been dedicated to measuring its coral reef habitats to understand how surveyed reefs are responding to disturbances, such as severe cyclones, outbreaks of coral eating starfish and coral bleaching.

The LTMP provides an invaluable record of change on coral communities across the Great Barrier Reef.

To learn more, visit: https://www.aims.gov.au/research-topics/monitoring-and-discovery/monitoring-great-barrier-reef

[fuckingrecipes]

Wait, which animals raise livestock?

Several species of ants will 'herd' aphids around (a type of plant lice)- even picking them up and putting them back with the group if they wander off. The ants will attack anything that approaches their aphid herds, defending them. The aphids produce a sugary excretion called honeydew, which the ants harvest and eat.

Some ants will even 'milk' the aphids, stroking the aphids with their antennae, to stimulate them to release honeydew. Some aphids have become 'domesticated' by the ants, and depend entirely on their caretaker ants to milk them.

When the host plant is depleted of resources and dies, the ants will pick up their herd of aphids and carry them to a new plant to feed on - a new 'pasture' if you will.

Some ants continue to care for aphids overwinter, when otherwise they'd die. The ants carry aphid eggs into their own nests, and will even go out of their way to destroy the eggs of aphid-predators, like ladybugs.

--

Microhylids – or narrow-mouthed frogs - have an interesting symbiosis with Tarantulas.

While the spiders could very easily kill and eat the much-tinier frogs, and DO normally prey on small frogs, young spiders instead will use their mouthparts to pick up the microhylid frogs, bring them back to their burrow, and release them unharmed.

The frog benefits from hanging out in/around the burrow of the tarantula, because the tarantula can scare away or eat predators that normally prey on tiny frogs, like snakes, geckos, and mantids. The tarantula gets a babysitter.

Microhylid frogs specialize in eating ants, and ants are one of the major predators of spider eggs. By eating ants, the frogs protect the spider's eggs. The frogs can also lay their eggs in the burrow, and won't be eaten by the spider.

So it's less 'livestock' and more like a housepet - a dog or a cat. You stop coyotes/eagles from hurting your little dog/cat, and in return the dog/cat keeps rats away from your baby.

--

Damselfish grow algae on rocks and corals. They defend these gardens ferociously, and will attack anything that comes too close - even humans. They spend much of their time weeding the gardens, removing unwanted algaes that might overtake their crop.

The species of algae that they cultivate is weak and and sensitive to growing conditions, and can easily be overgrazed by other herbivores. That particular algae tends to grow poorly in areas where damselfish aren't around to protect and farm it.

Damselfish will ALSO actively protect Mysidium integrum (little shrimp-like crustacians) in their reef farms, despite eating other similarly sized invertebrates. The mysids are filter feeders, who feed on zooplankton and free-floating algae, and their waste fertilizes the algae farms. Many types of zooplankton can feed on the algae crop, and the mysids prevent that.

While Mysids can be found around the world, the only place you'll find swarms of Musidium integrum is on the algae farms that Damselfish cultivate.

Damselfish treat the little mysids like some homesteaders treat ducks. Ducks eat snails and other insect pests on our crops, and their poop fertilizes the land. The ducks can be eaten, but aren't often, since they're more useful for their services than their meat.

--

There are SEVERAL species of insect and animal which actively farm. They perform fungiculture and horticulture: deliberately growing and harvesting fungus and plants at a large-scale to feed their population.

Leaf-cutter ants and Termites both chew up plant material and then seed it with a specific type of fungus. The fungus grows, and the termites/ants harvest the mushroom as a food source.

Ambrosia beetles burrow into decaying trees, hollow out little farming rooms, and introduce a specific fungii (the ambrosia fungi), which both adults and larval beetles feed on.

Marsh Periwinkles (a type of snail) cultivates fungus on cordgrass. They wound the plant with their scraping tongue, then defecate into the wound so their preferred fungus will infect it and grow there. They let the fungus grow in the wound a bit, and come back later to eat.

[singingrainbows]

"These corals desperately need a chance to recover. Federally protected critical habitat will double that chance."

"NOAA Fisheries need to finalize habitat protection for these corals as soon as possible." 

[troythecatfish]

[lilliemcleod]

Benefits of using ocean safe sunscreen for the environment 🪸🧴

People across America use sunscreen when it's time to go to the beach or vacation. Many people don't know that their sunscreen is filled with chemicals and toxins that significantly affect marine animals, tiny organisms, and primarily coral reefs. The toxins in the sunscreen cause coral bleaching and kill off those vibrant corals we love so much. So why is changing the sunscreen beneficial? Here is a link to the breakdown of severe chemicals that kill coral and different sunscreens you can switch to to help better our oceans and keep them safe. So, if we want to protect our ocean and keep it from getting harmed, we can switch to ocean-safe sunscreen that does not contain harmful chemicals but still protects us from the sun. Have a great time at the beach.

So, if we want to protect our ocean and keep it from getting harmed, we can switch to ocean-safe sunscreen that does not contain harmful chemicals but still protects us from the sun. Have a great time at the beach.

[kaleisillustrations]

𝐸𝑙𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑎 𝑐𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑖 𝑙𝑢𝑖 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑡 ! 🌊

Cela fait maintenant des mois que le débat sur les Jeux Olympiques Paris 2024, qui doit se passer sur le célèbre site de surf “ 𝑇𝑒𝑎ℎ𝑢𝑝𝑜’𝑜 ” (le mur de crânes), tourne sur les réseaux sociaux locaux et à l’international (France & USA).

Tourisme & Publicité ou Écologie & Sauvegarde, tels sont les mots d’ordre qui sortent des bouches de tous sur l’île, provoquant la colère des uns et l’inquiétude des autres, cherchant désespérément un terrain d’entente qui respectera les attentes des partis opposés.

Il est, cependant, un point crucial se faisant oublié de la majorité.

La Nature sait ce qu’elle veut et elle reprendra inévitablement ses droits sur l’Homme; et les puissances de ce monde, dont l’argent sert de réponse à tout et pour tous, ne pourront absolument rien y faire.

Oui, la Polynésie à besoin du Tourisme pour grandir et avancer avec le reste du monde, mais en a t’elle besoin, aux dépends de sa faune et de sa flore ? La destruction de la faune maritime, dans le cadre d’un événement temporaire à but majoritairement publicitaire, en vaut t’elle vraiment la peine ?

Pour reprendre la métaphore de David et Goliath citée par Benjamin Benny Varney, la Nature comme David, fragile, seconde (pour certains) et petite, se trouve face à l’Homme riche qui, tout comme Goliath, est privilégié, grand et puissant.

Cependant, ni sa grandeur, ni sa richesse n’ont empêché la chute du Géant de Gath.

De manière symbolique, tout comme David a pris la vie de Goliath, la Nature, elle aussi, reprendra ce qu’elle nous a jadis donné et sa colère se fera entendre de tous.

Elle a même déjà commencé à gronder, de part et d’autre du globe.

Certaines questions restent toutefois en suspend.

Faut-il renoncer à nos engagements ? Si oui, qu’adviendra t’il des liens durement créés et déjà fragilisés avec l’extérieur ? Et surtout, qu’elle est la véritable priorité du Fenua ?

#teahupoo #nouvelletour #nature #ecologie #faune #flore #sauvegarde #corail #reef #coral #tower #surf #wave #digitalart #digitalillustration #digitaldrawing #procreate #ibispaintx #kaleisillustrations

[tenth-sentence]

The land capable of cultivation, is scarcely in any part more than a fringe of low alluvial soil, accumulated round the base of the mountains, and protected from the waves of the sea by a coral reef, which encircles the entire line of coast.

"Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries Visited During the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle Round the World, 1832-36" - Charles Darwin