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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 ...

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Apr 27

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This year at Night of Ideas 2026, we were reminded that real change doesn’t happen in isolation. People need to come together to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and imagine a better future.⁠
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For us, it was a powerful example of how conservation isn’t just about the science. The strongest solutions for our oceans come from collaboration between communities, disciplines, and voices.⁠
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We’re grateful to have been part of a night that celebrated dialogue, creativity, and collective action.⁠
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Let’s keep this momentum going. ⁠
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Want to be involved? Join us for one of our events!⁠
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#oceanconservation #marinebiology #scubadiver #climatechange #communitybuilding ...

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Apr 24

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Show them a critically endangered juvenile Pycno!⁠
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Reef Check divers Ian Norton and Morgan Murphy-Cannella spotted a juvenile Sunflower Star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) in Noyo Bay, Fort Bragg while conducting a survey last week. ⁠
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Super exciting to find one of these keystone species, and we’re hoping to see many more this season!⁠
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#sunflowerseastar #criticallyendangered #scubadiving #oceanconservation #kelpforest ...