Scientists grappling with persistent and alarming collapse of North Coast’s bull kelp forests

You probably saw a lot of posts about Giving Tuesday last week. Let’s talk about its history and importance.⁠
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Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then it has grown into “a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.”⁠
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Whether it’s volunteering for a survey, sharing our work with a friend, speaking up for an important issue, or giving financially when possible, we know that every act of generosity counts. And that is exactly what makes our work at Reef Check possible.⁠
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Because of you, Reef Check is able to work all along the west coast of North America— from Baja CA in northern Mexico, through California, Oregon, Washington (plus our newest chapter in Hawai’i!), and into British Columbia in Canada— and in more than 40 countries around the world to protect and restore our precious marine environments by empowering people to make a meaningful difference for their local ecosystems. ⁠
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That said, it’s not necessary to wait for a special day like Giving Tuesday. Your support year round, whether it’s volunteering, donating money, or following us on social media, is hugely helpful. Thank you for everything you do in the name of ocean conservation.⁠
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#kelp #kelpforest #scubadiving #oceanconservation #reefrestoration #marinebiology #marineconservation #givingtuesday #nonprofit #volunteer ...

Updates from Reef Check Australia👇⁠
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A few months ago, Reef Check Australia secured vital funding through the Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment Levy Partnership Program! This support ensures essential reef conservation efforts can continue, benefiting marine ecosystems and the community alike. ⁠
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What they’re working on:⁠
🪸 Reef monitoring: Citizen scientists are actively assessing reef health to track changes and inform sustainable management strategies. ⁠
🌏 Community engagement: Through programs like “Clean Up for the Hatchlings,” they’re rallying volunteers to remove debris and protect nesting turtles and local wildlife. ⁠
📚 Education & Awareness: By hosting workshops and training events, they’re equipping locals with tools to safeguard their environment. ⁠
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This funding is a game-changer—it provides operational support, allowing their teams to expand monitoring across Sunshine Coast reefs and collaborate with communities to restore vulnerable ecosystems. ⁠
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Follow @ReefCheckAustralia to stay updated on their efforts!⁠
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#ReefCheck #Australia #GreatBarrierReef #MarineConservation #CitizenScience #SunshineCoast #ScubaDiving #VolunteerOpportunity #NonProfit ...

Meet Jessica Pantoja, Reef Check’s Baja California Regional Manager!⁠
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Originally from Guadalajara and now based in Ensenada, Jessica has dedicated her career to marine conservation, with a special focus on kelp forests. “Since undergrad, all I’ve studied are marine macrophytes—algae and seagrasses have been my passion.” Her work combines social and ecological perspectives, and she’s deeply involved with fishing communities to ensure biodiversity thrives along Baja’s coastline. ⁠
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Jessica first connected with Reef Check during her studies: “I remember being in awe of how science, diving, and citizen science came together to protect kelp forests. Now, being Baja’s Regional Manager feels magical. Incredible things happen when you believe in yourself and follow your dreams.” ⁠
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She’s most excited about the 2025 survey season where she will work with fishermen, academics, and divers from Mexico and the U.S. to expand surveys along the Baja Peninsula. ⁠
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Jessica’s favorite Reef Check memory? A curious rockfish once followed her during a transect, stopping and starting with her every move. “It was such a funny and humbling moment. It’s the little interactions like that which remind me why I do this work.” ⁠
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When not diving, Jessica surfs big waves, calling it a source of energy and gratitude. She’s also part of @nosotrasyelmar, a women-led group promoting coastal protection through cleanups, contests, and awareness campaigns. ⁠
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Say hi to Jessica in the comments and follow along as she leads conservation efforts across Baja! 💙 ⁠
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#ReefCheck #OceanConservation #BajaCalifornia #KelpForests #WomenInScience #CitizenScience #GirlsThatScuba #ScubaDiver #Surfer ...

A huge thanks to the awesome volunteers who came out to help survey 3 sites in Point Arena!
🎥: @halcyon_offshore ...