The Age: Warming seas wreak havoc on reef fish

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May 4

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Disappearing in plain sight...⁠
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Giant clams are reef builders, provide food and shelter for marine life, and can live for over 100 years. Some even help nourish reef ecosystems through the nutrients they release.⁠
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But across Southeast Asia, their future is uncertain.⁠
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Here’s what we know:⁠
• The region is home to 8 of the world’s 12 giant clam species⁠
• Populations are declining due to poaching, habitat loss, and coastal development⁠
• In some areas, numbers are so low that clams can’t reproduce effectively⁠
• Restoration efforts face challenges like low survival rates and limited funding⁠
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There is hope.⁠
🐚 Scientists are breeding and reintroducing clams⁠
🤝 Communities are stepping up to protect local reefs⁠
💡 New conservation strategies are being developed to improve survival and recovery⁠
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Mr. Alvin Chelliah, marine scientist at @reefcheckmalaysia says: “Many projects fail because of short-term funding. Malaysia could prioritize long-term financing models, perhaps linking marine farming and ecotourism revenues to conservation funds.”⁠
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The future of these “jewels of the sea” depends on stronger protection, smarter restoration, and continued investment in conservation. ⁠
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Support the work happening worldwide and donate to your favorite ocean conservation organization today!⁠
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#OceanConservation #CoralReefs #MarineScience #ScubaDiver #ReefRestoration ...

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May 1

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It’s a no-brainer, really.⁠
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Our survey season on the West Coast of North America is about to start. There are still opportunities for training! See our website for details.⁠
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Can’t jump in the water with us? Donate and share this post to help us continue our work supporting the ocean.⁠
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📸: @azul.unlimited⁠
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#kelpforest #scubadiver #oceanconservation #reefrestoration #coldwaterdiver ...

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Apr 29

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Sea urchins are a natural and important part of kelp forest ecosystems. In balanced systems, they graze on kelp and help maintain healthy, diverse habitats.⁠
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But when that balance is disrupted, things can shift fast.⁠
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In many parts of the west coast of North America, the loss of key predators and changing ocean conditions have allowed urchin populations to explode. With fewer checks in place, they can overgraze kelp forests, transforming lush underwater habitats into urchin barrens.⁠
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The result?⁠
🌿 Kelp forests disappear⁠
🐟 Habitat for fish and invertebrates declines⁠
🌊 Entire ecosystems lose resilience⁠
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That’s why Reef Check is collaborating on kelp restoration efforts along the coast. Learn more about the programs at our link in bio.⁠
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📍Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park⁠
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📸 @matthewmeierphoto capturing both the beauty of urchins and their impact when ecosystems fall out of balance.⁠
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#kelpforest #scubadiving #reefrestoration #oceanconservation #climatechange⁠ ...