Articles for tag: coastal sustainability, economic benefits, marine conservation, MPAs, Revive Our Ocean

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary

Protecting Coastal Waters: The Smartest Investment You’ve Never Heard Of

April Joy Jovita

Marine conservation is often seen as an ecological necessity, but new research suggests it’s also an economic powerhouse. Kristin Rechberger, founder of Dynamic Planet, argues that protecting coastal waters is one of the most overlooked yet high-impact investments for both nature and local economies. Through the Revive Our Ocean initiative, communities worldwide are proving that ...

Atlantic Cod

Popularly Eaten Fish: The Unsung Engineers of the Seabed

April Joy Jovita

Many of the fish we consume play an important role in maintaining seabed ecosystems, influencing carbon storage and ocean health. Recent research highlights how species like Atlantic cod and European eel contribute to seabed bioturbation—churning and reworking sediments—which impacts climate regulation and marine biodiversity The Role of Fish in Seabed Engineering Bioturbation, the process of ...

Mimic octopus

Mimic Octopus: Nature’s Master of Disguise

April Joy Jovita

The mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a marvel of the marine world, renowned for its extraordinary ability to impersonate other sea creatures. Discovered in 1998 off the coast of Indonesia, this species has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike with its unique survival strategy. By mimicking venomous or dangerous animals, the mimic octopus evades predators and ...

Gulf Coast Sea Turtles: 10 Nesting Beaches to Watch This Year

Gulf Coast Sea Turtles: 10 Nesting Beaches to Watch This Year

Jan Otte

Picture this: You’re walking along a pristine stretch of sandy beach at dawn when you notice what looks like tractor tire tracks leading from the water’s edge to the dunes. These aren’t just any tracks though – they’re the ancient paths left by female sea turtles who returned under cover of darkness to nest on ...

Florida Manatees: 8 Data Points That Prove the Recovery Is Real

Florida Manatees: 8 Data Points That Prove the Recovery Is Real

Gargi Chakravorty

Every conservationist knows that hopeful stories in today’s world are rare treasures. Yet across Florida’s waters, something remarkable is unfolding beneath the surface. The iconic West Indian manatee, once teetering on the brink of extinction, is staging one of the most dramatic wildlife recoveries in American history. You might have heard whispers about these gentle ...

Florida's Manatees Are Learning to Adapt to Rising Seas

Florida’s Manatees Are Learning to Adapt to Rising Seas

Andrew Alpin

Picture this: You’re watching gentle giants the size of small boats gliding through crystal-clear Florida springs, and these massive creatures are quietly rewriting their survival playbook right before your eyes. For decades, you’ve known manatees as those lovable “sea cows” that lazily munch seagrass in warm waters. Yet what’s happening beneath the surface tells a ...

Sea Otters Return to California's Kelp Beds

Sea Otters Return to California’s Kelp Beds

Jan Otte

California’s underwater forests stand at a crossroads. For over a century, these magnificent marine ecosystems have faced relentless pressure from human interference and climate change. Today, an unlikely hero emerges from the depths to offer hope for recovery. The southern sea otter, once driven to near extinction by fur traders, has become nature’s most effective ...

Oregon's Sea Lions Stage a Surprise Comeback

Oregon’s Sea Lions Stage a Surprise Comeback

Jan Otte

The Oregon coast has become the stage for one of nature’s most remarkable comeback stories. After decades of conservation efforts, both California and Steller sea lions are showing dramatic population increases along the Pacific Northwest shoreline. These playful marine mammals, once threatened by hunting and habitat loss, now represent a powerful symbol of ecosystem recovery ...

Florida's Sea Turtles Break Nesting Records

Florida’s Sea Turtles Break Nesting Records

Jan Otte

The waters lapping Florida’s coastline tell an extraordinary story of recovery and hope. While many wildlife conservation efforts struggle to show measurable success, are delivering spectacular results that have scientists and conservationists celebrating. Florida reportedly recorded over 126,000 sea turtle nests across all species in 2024. Yet this remarkable achievement came with its own challenges, ...

Hawaii's Coral Forests Are Making a Miraculous Recovery

Hawaii’s Coral Forests Are Making a Miraculous Recovery

Andrew Alpin

Something remarkable is happening beneath the azure waters surrounding Hawaii’s islands. After years of devastating bleaching events and environmental challenges, the state’s coral reefs are showing signs of miraculous recovery thanks to groundbreaking restoration efforts and innovative community partnerships. The transformation represents hope not just for local marine ecosystems, but for coral conservation efforts worldwide. ...