One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre’s work below.
Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near Quepos – Manuel Antonio region of the Eastern Tropical Pacific in Costa Rica. They are a species of smaller guard crab, maxing out at around 2.5 cm in length, and provide protection against smaller corallivores. The Pocillopora corals that they inhabit are species of branching corals, which provide shelter for the guard crabs. T. Bidentata will also stimulate the coral to release mucus by massaging the coral with their legs and collect the mucus the coral excretes and will consume this as their food source.
This study aims to discover if there is a relationship between the health of Pocillopora corals in the Quepos – Manuel Antonio area and the number of Trapezia Bidentata crabs found living in the coral. A null and alternative hypothesis were generated, where the null stated that there would be no relationship found while the alternative hypothesis stated that the number of T. Bidentata crabs found on the corals would depend on the health of the coral. If the alternative was true, it could be found that on healthier corals there are more guard crabs. Furthermore, larger corals likely have more crabs due to there being more space available.
Initial findings
The depth, length, number of T. Bidentata present, and coral health were recorded. Coral health was recorded using a scale from zero to four, representing dead and healthy respectively. Initially, depth was compared with the number of crabs and the length of the coral, and no correlation was found (Figure 1.1 and 1.2).
When coral length and number of crabs were compared with each other a strong correlation was found. The trendline generated from this data allowed for the data to be analyzed for the corals that had more crabs than expected (data points above the trendline) and corals that had less crabs than expected (data points below the trendline). Samples that had more crabs than expected had health ratings of 3.5 or 4 most frequently, with a few data points with a health rating of 3 and only one data point that was below a health rating of 3 (see figure 1.3).
Want to get involved ?
With all of the projects we work hard on throughout the year, we are always looking for help. You can get involved with one of our internship or volunteer programs.
When coral length and number of crabs were compared with each other a strong correlation was found. The trendline generated from this data allowed for the data to be analyzed for the corals that had more crabs than expected (data points above the trendline) and corals that had less crabs than expected (data points below the trendline). Samples that had more crabs than expected had health ratings of 3.5 or 4 most frequently, with a few data points with a health rating of 3 and only one data point that was below a health rating of 3 (see figure 1.3). Corals with less crabs than expected were generally corals that we unhealthy. When the frequency of finding different numbers of crabs on the corals was compared, it was revealed that as the corals get healthier, crabs would be found in higher numbers more often than compared to the corals that are unhealthy, and high numbers of crabs are only found on corals that are the healthiest (see figure 2.1).
Finally, based analysis of the data, the corals were separated into two categories, healthy corals (3-4 health rating), and unhealthy corals (0-2.5). Box and whisker plots were utilized to remove outliers and ensure normal distribution before conducting a two-variable t-test assuming unequal variances (see figure 3.1 and 3.2). This test was selected due to the possibility of unequal standard deviation among data sets and due to the large sample size. Using α = 0.05, the two hypotheses were H0 (T. Bidentata number is different when comparing health of Pocillopora corals): p ≥ 0.05 and HA (T. Bidentata number is different when comparing health of Pocillopora corals): p<0.05. When conducted, a p-value of 4.175*10-8 was obtained. 4.175*10-8 < α = 0.05 so the null hypothesis is rejected.
Analysis of the data reveals that T. Bidentata were found in larger quantities on the healthier corals. The coral length vs. crab number data reveals that very few unhealthy corals can have more crabs than expected, and this is supported by the t-test which resulted in an incredibly low p-value, suggesting a very strong significant difference between the number of T. Bidentata on healthy vs. unhealthy corals.
One possible reason for this could be that unhealthy corals are unable to sustain higher numbers of T. Bidentata. Since dead coral could not be able to produce mucus for the guard crabs to feed on, it would not be possible for guard crabs to survive on the coral.
The feeding strategy of crabs could also better prepare the immune system of the corals for future stressors. When corals release mucus, it is part of their immune response to stressors in their environment.
There are several reasons that this could be occurring. Since guard crabs feed on the mucus from the corals, unhealthy corals would supply guard crabs with less food so a lower number of guard crabs would be found. Another possibility is that a higher number of crabs would allow the coral to be more resistant to stressors in the environment. Corals with higher numbers of crabs would have more crabs to protect against corallivores. This would keep the corals healthier because predator attacks would be less successful in consuming the coral. The feeding strategy of Trapezia crabs could also keep corals healthier. When they feed, they stimulate the immune response of corals causing them to release mucus. Keeping the immune response stimulated could keep the coral more prepared for stressors that would cause this immune response.
Guard crabs such as T. Bidentata can be used in the future as an effective indicator species. Due to the strong relationship the number of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals can be used to quantify the health of the corals. The benefits that this can provide is another way to determine coral health besides visual examination.
When fragmenting corals, it is important to ensure that guard crabs can remain on the corals. Guard crabs need to be on corals to survive, so if they are removed from corals during the fragmenting process, it is essential to reattach them to a fragment and attempt to keep the crabs on the fragments through the out-planting process. When fragmenting, cutting slowly allows the crabs time to move out of the way of the blade.
Trapezia Bidentata crabs play an important role in the reefs in the Quepos – Manuel Antonio area. With invasive species such as the Crown of Thorns seastar entering Costa Rica, the protection guard crabs provide is going to be essential in ensuring the survival of the reefs. Further research on this subject could include examining the coral health and guard crabs in a controlled setting, examining the size and number of crabs found depending on the shape and structure of corals, and comparing the health of corals and the number of guard crabs in coral nurseries.
Here at Marine Conservation Costa Rica, we have a number of opportunities available for those looking to make a difference to Marine wildlife. Hear about the experiences of two of our previous interns, Andre and Mary-Grace below.
What is the sea life like?
Andre
It’s a lot of fish. The visibility is not that good, so it is hard to see other animals. A lot of damsels farm and eat algae and surgeonfish. Occasionally you’ll see octopus, sharks and turtles but it is much rarer than the other common reef fish.
Mary-Grace
At Quepos it is very interesting. The diving is amazing and there are more surges, which makes it harder to dive. I feel like this makes you a more experienced diver because it is a challenge. In Caño the water is much more still and calm.
How would you describe the variety of sea life? Do they seem healthy and diverse?
Andre
The sea life is very diverse with a lot of different types of fish!
Mary-Grace
The animals here are quite diverse, we have seen a bunch of different fish like the butterfly fish and sergeant majors, sea slugs, and some crabs on the nursery corals.
How would you describe the Coral you see?
Andre
There is not a lot of reef building coral so generally, it’s pretty sparse. We see some of the branching coral and some of the bouldering coral which are big and look like boulders.
Mary-Grace
We have two types of corals: the branching and boulder corals. The branching coral grows like a tree, and the boulder coral grows on the ground.
Do you encounter Coral bleaching more than healthy reefs?
Andre
You definitely see a lot of both. At Caño Island there is definitely a lot of bleached coral but here in Quepos there is less bleached coral. A lot of the coral is fairly young, but you see a fair share of both.
Mary-Grace
Here in Quepos, we have some coral bleaching and coral disease, but we can’t tell which it is without doing research on it. We definitely do see coral bleaching, more at Caño Island than here in Quepos.
As a diver do you practice a marine conservation lifestyle? If so, what does this look like for you?
Andre
Yes, mostly using reusable plastics and bottles. I would also say making conscious choices of where you are throwing things away, so pollutants don’t end up in the ocean.
Mary-Grace
Personally, I try to be conservative about what I use such as avoiding single-use plastics. If I do I try to reuse them as much as possible. I will keep my trash collected until I am near a trash can to avoid it getting to the ocean.
Describe the process of new Coral colonies being planted.
Andre
I haven’t done much with the coral because I am with the marine conservation side but most of the coral are very small.
Mary-Grace
In the restoration program we find coral of opportunity which is coral floating around, and not breaking off coral from a healthy reef. From there we pull it out and fragment it (cut it a little) to help the growth accelerate. We let them grow in the nursery for a few months before planting them back onto the larger coral structure.
Describe the process of new Coral colonies being planted.
Andre
I haven’t done much with the coral because I am with the marine conservation side but most of the coral are very small.
Mary-Grace
In the restoration program we find coral of opportunity which is coral floating around, and not breaking off coral from a healthy reef. From there we pull it out and fragment it (cut it a little) to help the growth accelerate. We let them grow in the nursery for a few months before planting them back onto the larger coral structure.
What inspired you to be a diver?
Andre
I have always really liked the ocean since I was a kid so it is my plan to enter marine biology. Diving is very helpful for researching the ocean and its’ biology and is a big interest of mine.
Mary-Grace
For me, I have wanted to dive since I was young. I did a discovery course and realized I was too scared. With it being on my mind this past year, I finally decided to face my fears and did it. I quickly realized there was nothing to be scared of at all.
What inspired you to take action with Marine conservation?
Andre
I care about conservation in general, but diving is a part of it. Being out in nature and the environment is important because we as humans are a part of nature. It’s important because without it we would die too.
Mary-Grace
When I was little, my sister showed me the movie Blue Ocean and it showed me that our oceans need help with restoration. Corals are extremely important for the health of our oceans and that is why I want to take action and help build a healthy ocean.
Has anything surprised you?
Andre
The visibility was a little surprising at first. I’m always surprised when I see a lot of garbage at the dive sites. A lot of plastics are seen.
Mary-Grace
Yes, when diving in Quepos I was expecting a coral reef with lots of animals and abundant life. Instead, I saw a lot of emptiness which I wasn’t expecting. I was expecting more Great Barrier Reef style but that just isn’t the reality for most coral reefs.
During your time here, what was your most memorable experience?
Andre
Last week we saw a turtle that was swimming around us and as I swam back to my group it started chasing me out of its territory, so that was pretty cool.
Mary-Grace
My most memorable experience was last week when I found my first nudibranch. They’re barely an inch big and very hard to find. I was super excited to find my first one.
Like what you hear and Interested in taking part yourself? Just click the button below to read more about the Internships available to you!
The oceans on this planet are facing a profound threat: ocean acidification. It poses a crucial risk to the delicate balance of life within marine ecosystems and to their structure. In this article, we will discuss the complex process of ocean acidification including what it is, what causes it, and the far-reaching implications it has for marine life.
“Due to climate change, the ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive today.”
The United Nations
But What is Ocean Acidification?
Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth’s oceans due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. As atmospheric CO2 levels rise, a significant portion of it is absorbed by the oceans, forming carbonic acid. This acidification process disrupts the chemical equilibrium of seawater, leading to lower pH levels and higher acidity.
The primary driver of ocean acidification is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases CO2 into the atmosphere. This excess CO2 is absorbed by the oceans, altering their chemical composition. Deforestation, industrial processes, and other human activities also contribute to the problem.
Coral Reefs in Peril: Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification. The increased acidity inhibits the ability of corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, leading to weaker, more brittle structures. Putting entire reef ecosystems at risk; threatening the multitude of marine species that depend on them for habitat and food.
Disruption of Food Webs: As foundational species like plankton and shellfish struggle to survive due to ocean acidification, entire marine food webs can be disrupted. This has far-reaching consequences for marine organisms at all levels, including commercially important fish species.
Biodiversity Loss: The cumulative effects of ocean acidification, combined with other stressors like pollution and overfishing, can lead to biodiversity loss and reduced resilience in marine ecosystems. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystem services that support human communities as well.
How does Ocean Acidification impact Marine Life?
Shellfish and Calcium Carbonate: Ocean acidification disrupts the availability of carbonate ions. Many marine organisms, such as molluscs and shellfish, require carbonate ions to build their shells and skeletons. Weakened shells make these creatures more susceptible to predation and disease, with potential ripple effects throughout the food chain.
Effects on Fish Behavior and Sensory Systems: Studies suggest that ocean acidification can affect fish behavior, including their ability to navigate, locate prey, and avoid predators. Altered sensory perception could impact the survival and reproductive success of fish populations.
But what can we do to help?
While the challenge of ocean acidification is significant, there are actions that can be taken to mitigate its impacts:
Reducing CO2 Emissions. The most effective long-term solution is to curb greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. This can be through sustainable energy practices, reduced fossil fuel consumption, and afforestation.
Sustainable Fishing Practices. Managing fisheries sustainably helps maintain the balance of marine ecosystems and reduces additional stress on vulnerable species.
Marine Protected Areas. Establishing and maintaining marine protected areas helps preserve critical habitats, offering safe spaces for marine life to thrive.
Research and Monitoring. Continuous research and monitoring efforts are essential for understanding the effects of ocean acidification. Greater understanding of the impact of ocean acidification will help us in devising effective strategies to combat it.
A Summary of Ocean Acidification
In conclusion, ocean acidification is a pressing issue with widespread consequences for marine life and the ecosystems we depend on. By addressing its root causes and implementing sustainable practices, we can work towards protecting our oceans and preserving the intricate web of life they support. As stewards of the Earth, we have the power to make a positive impact and ensure the health and vitality of our oceans for generations to come.
One of our recent interns, Joe came and joined us for a month, assisting with our environmental education program. This is about his experience with us.
In my time working with Marine Conservation Costa Rica (MCCR) I have experienced growth and bonding, and learned exceedingly. Working in the Environmental Education internship, I have helped to organize lessons, learn new teaching skills, and about the importance and intricacies of conservation. Not to mention, I have hugely improved on my Spanish.
I had the unique opportunity to go into a primary school and teach in Spanish about marine conservation. While this sounded daunting to me at first, the experience was invaluable. Teaching gave me confidence and a better understanding of how to help people learn in a productive and educational way. It was great because not only was I teaching others, but I was also learning too. I went from knowing limited Spanish to far more competent very quickly and felt comfortable speaking, answering and understanding Spanish. I was also helped every step of the way by the fantastic team at MCCR who allowed me to feel optimistic in the face of a big task.
First things first…
First, my teaching at the school consisted of prep work. I created a powerpoint in English then in Spanish about my chosen topic for the children. After creating the powerpoint and speaker notes, I went over them a few times with the team to make sure I felt comfortable with the pronunciation and was ready to speak it to the kids. Jointly, I worked to prepare an activity for the children, to create a more fun and interactive setting. Finally, I was ready.
I went in and was greeted by the staff and set up my presentation. Once I was up there, all of my nerves suddenly vanished and my head cleared, I was prepared and excited now. I thoroughly enjoyed doing my presentation and was able to answer and understand the kids’ questions, which was neat. I proceeded smoothly to the activity in which we helped the kids paint their own sharks and then play a game using the sharks they had made.
An enjoyable experience
The children seemed to really enjoy the whole day which made it even more of a fulfilling experience. I also had the fantastic opportunity to help teach about coral conservation and fragmentation to an older group of teenagers at the event. This involved speaking to multiple different groups about the complexities of coral reefs and helping with hands-on activities on fragmenting coral to help replant the reefs. This not only granted further confidence but really helped to teach me about the work people do for conservation, the importance of it and the intricacies of the marine fauna we are trying to protect. On top of all of this, there are other activities all interns and supporters can participate in.
MCCR often organizes group activities that provide unforgettable experiences, such as a trip to the mangroves to see crocodiles. The fantastic team, other interns and general positive and friendly people around it all means super fun group trips to beautiful waterfalls, beaches or other fun activities such as football are a commonplace to why I always felt involved and like my time was being spent well, making the most, of the beautiful country of Costa Rica and Quepos.
Want to get involved ?
With all of the projects we work hard on throughout the year, we are always looking for help. You can get involved with one of our internship or volunteer programs.
Imagine this, you are on vacation and pay good money to scuba dive in the wonders of the sea. You are thrilled to see an abundance of the world below us, filled with happy ecosystems, baby sea turtles, huge sharks and incredible colors. To your surprise, the ocean lacks its beauty and majestic glow. The coral isn’t its vibrant, healthy self but instead decaying and dull. There are far less fish and aquatic plants than expected, and instead you find yourself surrounded in a never-ending vast blue, longing for the return of a lively reef.
Unpleased and disappointed, you question what happened and how you can help, thankfully the Marine Conservation Costa Rica (MCCR) is actively striving to educate and take action.
What is Coral Bleaching?
Due to global warming increasing the temperature of the sea, coral eject zooxanthellae, (the symbiotic algae that lives in most hard corals and provides the coral with most of its energy to build reefs). With the zooxanthellae gone, the coral’s beautiful colors fade and turn white. This process is called coral bleaching.
The good news is the loss of color does not mean the coral has died, it is still alive and can survive a bleaching but undergoes stress and is much more vulnerable. Coral can recover from bleaching if the ocean’s previous conditions return to normal, and zooxanthellae in reabsorbed. By adapting to a lifestyle focused on reducing global warming, we will help regrow those reefs and see them thrive again.
How Global Warming Hurts Coral
Global warming has become a widespread issue across the world, and unfortunately the ocean has been the number one victim. The sea life thrives in a specific climate and temperature range, with little to no wiggle room. When the ocean begins to warm up, even just a couple of degrees, living organisms struggle to survive. Thus, leaving the coral lifeless with only the calcium carbonate skeleton remaining. Now what was once a lush and thriving community of organisms is a bare and lifeless area of sand and coral skeletons.
Why does Coral Matter?
Coral may look like a simple plant, however, it is actually a sessile animal that relies on the oceans floor and algae to thrive. A healthy reef provides an entire community for its residents to live, eat and be protected. It is home to millions of varied species like fish, algae, crab, clams, seahorses and turtles. Without it, essentials like food, shelter, and biodiversity would become scarce resulting in food-web changes and relocating or dying of needed species.
How are we Affected?
The health of coral is significant to the health of our earth and humans. Since coral reefs are the center for ecosystems in the ocean and supply the food chains, we are losing food too. For us, they are vital for feeding many coastal populations of people since they provide us with most of the seafood we eat.
Furthermore, coral reefs play a significant role in protecting our precious coastlines and beaches. During the time of storms or natural disasters like hurricanes, the reefs act as a barrier to protect land from flooding and erosion.
Simultaneously, coral reefs do an excellent job of storing carbon dioxide, which aids in the regulation of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. As you can see, coral reefs hold many responsibilities to organisms of all levels.
Just as we rely on coral reefs, they are dependent on us! It is now our turn to take a closer look at how we as humans are treating our wonderful corals and helping rebuild their sustainability in the natural world.
We need your help to spread our message of awareness
We have been super busy this year already with both the nurseries, and some exciting new projects coming soon. We are still small and growing fast and we need your help to keep this momentum going. We are looking for two interns. One to help us with content creation for our media channels, and one for managing the social media channels that we have. Both positions are for 3-6 months depending on the person, possibly longer. Our hope is that we can then find some enthusiastic eco warriors to help spread awareness and our message to our expanding network of supporters. And find some new ones in the process. Outlines for the two positions are found below. We look forward to hearing from you!
You get to work with us and help spread awareness for the plight of the oceans!
Not just that, obviously! We are offering either a full marine conservation internship in exchange or if you are a looking to become a professional diver we can discuss the ECO Divemaster option with you as well. We have options for housing and homestays available as well.
If you are not a diver then we can work with that as well. We can make that happen as it is important to us that you have a good understanding of what we do. In order to do that, you are better off underwater!
Social Media Intern
We are looking for an enthusiastic social media intern to join us. You will be responsible for creating social media campaigns and the day-to-day management of MCCRs social media social media posts and channels. You need a passion for social media and marine conservation.
The successful intern will be an excellent communicator, a versatile creative writer, and a team player. You will be able to manage our channels through scheduling software, analyze posts and campaigns, and interact with our network of enthusiastic eco warriors.
Requisites
We ask that you have experience in the management of social media channels and scheduling software. Also, that you understand branding and production of effective and engaging social media posts.
You can work closely with our content creator
Knowledge of Spanish is a bonus.
Scuba diving experience is desirable.
To apply
Please submit a current Resume (CV) with references
Please submit an example of how you would plan and manage a campaign on a new artifical reef project.
Note: Can be offered as part of a university degree work experience/Thesis project if desired. Please outline in your application.
Content Creator Intern
suAs Content Creator at Marine Conservation Costa Rica, you’ll be in charge of creating online content like blog posts, newsletters, social media posts both visual and written. This content will help us reach our eco warriors. It’s up to you to provide them with valuable information about our projects and more.
You will need to be able to create both written and visual content so you will need to be able to take photos, videos around the dive center and on our projects. Access to a Gopro is perfect as this can also be used underwater. If you do not have any experience underwater, we have Divemasters and instructors around who very often can provide underwater footage which you can then utilize.
We hope that you will be able to assist us with creating more education materials for our programs and projects.
Requisites
You have the ability to write for multiple channels You have excellent writing and editing skills. You have a sense of branding and know how to keep a consistent tone of voice in your writing and media You have experience working with a CMS like WordPress. You can create basic visuals and videos You know how to optimize your writing for SEO. You have a passion for the underwater environment.
You can work closely with our social media intern.
Knowledge of Spanish is a bonus
Scuba diving experience is desireable
To apply
Please submit a current Resume (CV) with references
Please submit some examples of your writing and photo/video content
Note: Can be offered as part of a university degree work experience/Thesis project if desired. Please outline in your application.
In the current fracturing state of our natural world, the three different approaches to defending Earth’s ecosystems include preservation, conservation, and restoration. While they all have the common goal of sustaining Earth’s diverse and natural beauty, their methodologies differ. For instance, preservation defends what is left of the wild world, conservation prevents future damage to what currently exists, and restoration rebuilds what has been broken. All of these are incredibly necessary, but the one that is the most heart-wrenching is restoration.
Restoration projects all over the globe are proof that we are living amidst damaged ecosystems. As a result, this type of work is not for the weary or the doubtful. Restorators are Mother Nature’s warriors, not afraid to salvage what is crumbling before their eyes. Instead of weeping at what the fire has burned, restorators are the ones running into the flames of human-induced destruction with a bucket of water. While much has been burned and lost, restorators choose to look at what is left and what has survived against the odds. The same holds true with coral restoration work. Since the 1950s, studies have found that 50% of global coral reef coverage has been lost. Yet hundreds of coral restoration campaigns dispersed throughout the oceans worldwide show the persistence of the human spirit to defend and rebuild what we hold dear.
This optimism that restorators cling to is the foundation of the work itself, understanding that “every drop in the ocean counts”- Yoko Ono. While this work is oftentimes slow and tedious, the successes deserve recognition, for they are the drops filling up the ocean. Diving in Manuel Antonio with Marine Conservation Costa Rica’s coral restoration internship one gets to witness the coral rehabilitation process from the ground up. Corals are harvested and propagated on plugs where they are given time and space to grow in the nurseries. Here they undergo nurturing care, weekly cleanings with toothbrushes, and continuous assessment of their health. After they have proven themselves to be hearty and healthy sprouts, the corals are ready to be planted in the wild. This aspect is arguably the most fulfilling part of coral restoration work– having the opportunity to cultivate young and hopeful corals back into the environments that desperately rely on them.
The work of a coral gardener is this constant dualism– swimming through ecosystems ofchalky, gray corals while planting new plugs full of life, color, and promise.
This optimism that restorators cling to is the foundation of the work itself, understanding that “every drop in the ocean counts”- Yoko Ono. While this work is oftentimes slow and tedious, the successes deserve recognition, for they are the drops filling up the ocean. Diving in Manuel Antonio with Marine Conservation Costa Rica’s coral restoration internship one gets to witness the coral rehabilitation process from the ground up. Corals are harvested and propagated on plugs where they are given time and space to grow in the nurseries. Here they undergo nurturing care, weekly cleanings with toothbrushes, and continuous assessment of their health. After they have proven themselves to be hearty and healthy sprouts, the corals are ready to be planted in the wild. This aspect is arguably the most fulfilling part of coral restoration work– having the opportunity to cultivate young and hopeful corals back into the environments that desperately rely on them.
The work of a coral gardener is this constant dualism– swimming through ecosystems ofchalky, gray corals while planting new plugs full of life, color, and promise.
Although restoring what is broken can be disheartening at times, the hope of a future filled with vibrant, flourishing corals for succeeding generations to relish in outweighs the gloom. Herein lies what it takes to be a restoration warrior, in a world that desperately needs restoring.
Because restoration efforts are consistently bombarded with threats and casualties to what they attempting to protect, it is important to maintain a hopeful mindset. As restoration workers, one must understand and balance the duality of our dying yet adaptive world. In the world of scuba diving, the health of the coral reef ecosystems is noticeable with every dive. On one hand, there is abundant life and miraculous creatures thriving under the sea, while on the other hand there are countless signs warning of irreversible destruction and sickly coral reefs.
The more one learns about coral reefs, what threatens them, and what a diseased coral looks like the harder it is to disregard these truths– hence exposing the burden of knowledge. It is impossible not to notice the pink pimples and white scarring revealing the stress the reefs are enduring. As a diver you also witness firsthand the bleached, decaying corals, and grasping the full weight of these hard truths only adds to the pressure already felt underwater. In order to sustain the hope that keeps restorators moving, making space for the realities of resilience and fatality is a practice that all of us can learn as we cope with the current warming state of our one and only planet.
One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre's work below. Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near...
One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre's work below. Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near...
One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre's work below. Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near...
Coral reefs, polar bears, pandas and sea turtles are adored across cultures and known as the poster children of climate change. While each of these organisms has a difficult journey of survival ahead, the ancient coral reefs have arguably been suffering degradation since the 70’s. Coral reefs have been around for some 50 million years, outliving the dinosaurs and witnessing the birth of all other forms of complex life. These organisms represent the beauty and interconnectivity of our world. They are the foundations of coastal ecosystems, their rainbow collages attracting a diverse interaction of plants and animals. Yet the recent decline and death of coral reefs sends a shocking message at what we risk to lose if business continues as usual.
Oceans Heating Up
It is common knowledge that ocean temperatures are heating up, and although this represents one of the many threats to these delicate structures it is far from being the only one. Corals are also affected by the pollutants that find their way into rivers and streams from pesticides used to maximize crop yield. In addition to these silent killers polluting the water cycle, habitat destruction from coastal construction and the overly extractive fishing industry threatens the health of reefs. Finally, maybe the most dangerous of all is our addiction to fossil fuel consumption and the smoky trail of carbon dioxide we humans leave in our backwash.
Although the ocean is able to absorb a quarter of carbon dioxide emitted, there are still consequences to our incessant gobbling. In this simmering hotbed our corals are surviving in, their first stress response is to dispel their food source, the algae. As they lose these plants and subsequently their coloration, the surrounding organisms also feel the loss as their food source depletes. The stressed corals turn a skeletal white, and as the bleaching continues, they eventually turn as gray as tombstones.
Pressure on the reefs
Though reefs thrive in coastal paradises where conditions are idyllic and picturesque, the beauty of these habitats is a double-edged sword. As demand for these utopias increases, so does the pollution and runoff from development and tourism. As more people develop in and around the tropics, the pollution which comes with development and human consumption also grows. With this logic, it is no surprise that coastal communities are among the first to feel the effects of climate change.
While the climate crisis often-times feels like a looming catastrophe, protecting coral reefs would trigger a chain reaction in sustaining the local ecosystems both above and beneath the ocean. The urgency needed to preserve the remaining survivors can be grasped by painting a stark picture of what our world risks to lose with the extinction of coral reefs. A coral-less future would mean 6 million reef fishers without work; a net loss of $9.6 billion dollars to the tourism industry; 1 million marine species with no place to live, spawn, or feed; coastal communities with no natural protection against storms, tsunamis, flooding, and erosion; not to mention the incalculable loss of potentially life-saving medicines researchers discover in these underwater medicine cabinets (Basic Information About Coral Reefs). In short, our world without corals is hardly even a world at all. What are we without the very life that supports our human existence?
Dark situation
With less than 50% of coral reefs already dead, these submerged skeletons serve as a foreboding message: to save the coral reefs is to save ourselves.We are at a crucial moment in history, and our response to the climate crisis is pivotal, but passivity is the most dangerous option of all.
Although our current situation may feel dark, resilience is our silver lining. Coral restoration projects are underway across the globe helping to stabilize reefs. Restoration efforts assist in maintaining the base populations of coral species, giving more time for corals to adapt to changing conditions. This type of recovery work, however, will not restore reefs to their pristine state. Instead it buys time for the corals to adapt. That being said, restoration is most effective in conjunction with fishing quotas, Marine Protected Areas, and individual actions.
So what can you do?
That being said, there is a wide range of behaviors you can do that can reduce your negative impact on our planet. The following list includes suggested actions that the coral reefs, polar bears, pandas, and sea turtles need from all of us:
Anna Love is a writer, biologist, advocate, massage therapist, and scuba diver. She writes about environmental movement, healing work, and science fiction. When she is not playing sand volleyball or reading, you can likely find her practicing handstands or meditating. — Anna Lovelace Patton anna.patton15@gmail.com
One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre's work below. Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near...
One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre's work below. Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near...
One of our recent interns, Andre Wax, completed and presented a research study on a topic of his choosing! Read about Andre's work below. Trapezia Bidentata, also known as the Rusty Guard Crab, are the local species of guard crabs found on Pocillopora corals near...
Climate anxiety? What are your plans for the next six years? Graduate college, travel the world, get a puppy, buy a house, get married, build a garden, start a new job, have a child, or maybe two? Six years is such a long time! Time that can be spent creating beautiful moments. But what if you had to fit the rest of your life in the next six years—six years and 317 days to be exact. How short would six years feel then? Would you live your life differently? If you had the opportunity to add more time to these six years, would you make smarter, more ethical, and sustainable decisions?
Climate Clock
The climate clock hangs high in Berlin, and New York City, counting down “how long it will take, at current rates of emissions, to burn through our ‘carbon budget’ — the amount of CO2 that can still be released into the atmosphere while limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This is our deadline, the time we have left to take decisive action to keep warming under the 1.5°C threshold.” (Climate Clock)
While the clock does bring needed attention, is not always positive.The countdown may bring awareness to the climate crisis and encourage sustainable living, but does the oversaturation in the news increase a sense of impending doom? That no matter how much plastic you stop using, the meat you stop eating, or the numerous protests you attend, nothing will make enough significance to reverse this ticking time bomb. If you feel stress or grief around the current climate crisis, you are probably experiencing “climate anxiety,” “a fairly recent psychological disorder afflicting an increasing number of individuals who worry about the environmental crisis” (Psychology Today).
If you are someone who experiences climate anxiety and is feeling a little lost or scared, try not to worry. You are not alone. There is an entire community experiencing the same feelings. As someone who experiences climate anxiety myself, I would like to share some useful tips to help lessen your anxiety.
Make adjustments
I’ve made adjustments to my daily living so I can leave a positive impact on my planet. If you have not already, start by lessening your plastic and meat intake, use your car less and public transport more, and switch off your lights and water as often as possible.
“But I already do all of this, and it does not feel like enough.”
While your individual acts are extremely important, I can understand those small changes might not feel overly impactful. Let me remind you that your small acts are making a huge difference, so take pride in that! Keep up the good work, and share your knowledge with those around you. Also remember, it is not the individual person that is having the greatest negative impact on our planet. It is the large-scale corporations that cause detrimental environmental damage. We need to continue holding them accountable.
Fast fashion
You can start by limiting how much you shop from fast fashion companies. Fast fashion, “an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers”,is a massive polluter, creating cheap clothing, at the expense of underpaid workers. Clothes not meant to last to the next season end up in our landfills. Fast fashion produces excessive amounts of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere and pollutes our waters with dyes and chemicals.
Support small, ethical businesses and most importantly shop second-hand whenever possible.
Try buying groceries from local farmers and markets whenever possible. Corporate farms tear down large sections of forest to make room for livestock, among other harmful practices. I would also recommend shopping organic to avoid harmful pesticides. The use of these chemicals overflows to waterways and is harmful to fish.
When these practices aren’t an option, look for companies that have green policies—companies that pledge to offset their carbon footprint, or create products that are environmentally friendly.
Your voice is your greatest strength. Hold corporations accountable for their actions. We need to demand sustainable initiatives, and if companies refuse to upgrade, then we must take our business elsewhere.
Be positive
It can be extremely anxiety-inducing to have no idea what our future is going to look like. Especially when countdowns like the Climate Clock can make us feel like we are running out of time. I want to encourage you to look at this situation as “glass half full”, we have six years. Six years to change our daily practices. To live a zero-waste lifestyle, to stop eating meat, to buy only from small, local, sustainable businesses, and to stop supporting large corporations. Six years to reverse the damages done to our planet. We still have the chance to encourage change and make a difference. We have the opportunity to be the change we want to see in this world.
Written by Karley Feather – MCCR Media & Conservation Intern
With the world changing we have been forced to reevaluate our way of life. One of the biggest things that has been brought to the forefront is the impact our daily habits have on the health of our planet. Seeing such a sharp change once everyone was in lockdown has made it even more clear. If the earth and nature is given a chance it will fight back.
Over the next month we are going to have a look at how covid has put living a sustainable life in focus. We work everyday to live a sustainable life, but with different information being presented all of the time it is hard to sometimes keep a clear path. Starting on this topic we are looking at one of the most common things we deal with everyday, packaging, and we are addressing 6 common misconceptions about “green packaging”.
Plastic is the bad guy of packaging
Ban single use plastics has been a common anthem of anyone aiming to live a more sustainable life. The big one of these is plastic bags. Interesting fact, they were originally invented as a reusable carrying source, not intended to be used once and thrown away. But did you know that single use plastics can be more sustainable depending on the material it is made from? Also, how it is used and where it ends up. It actually has a smaller carbon footprint than say a canvas bag . That would have to be used up to 300 times to have a comparable impact. Also, by packing something once, properly in plastic rather than using less effective means of packaging could result in the item being damaged to being sent back. This results in the supply chain extending and so the carbon emissions increasing.
Glass is a always more sustainable than plastic
This is not always true. Glass containers are heavier to transport and are not always recycled back into glass products even after they are collected. They may end up being used in roads amongst other things. For example, I have seen food products presented in glass packaging which can then be recycled so is touted as a more sustainable option. BUT only if the consumer decides to recycle it.
Biodegradable means compostable
As we have discovered over the years, there are different meanings to the word “degradable”. If you see something labeled as “bio-degradable’ Yes it will degrade but many times not without some serious industrial processes. Otherwise they could be in the environment for many years. A label called oxo-degradable is common to see on some plastics. It means that the use of chemicals is required to break them down. This in turn creates microplastics which as we all know are a huge problem in the marine and terrestrial environment and can end up in our food chain. So, next time you are looking at “degradable” bag for example, check what kind of degradable it is.
All plastic is made of the same thing
There is no one type of plastic and yes, all of it is a pollutant. The challenge is to reduce your use of plastic and change the types that we are using. There is a large focus right now on creating plant-based materials for the plastic so producing a more sustainable option. Longer term options are being looked at which include larger scale utilization of these methods. “An example is Tetra-Rex. This is a plant-based carton made from paperboard and plastic derived from sugar cane” said Erik Lindroth from Tetra Pak. If you research some of the companies that are using this type of plastic packaging, you can focus your buying on these options.
Food without packaging is always better
Before this delightful pandemic came our way, there was a very large push around the world to start introducing food stuffs with no packaging. However, this can also have its draw backs. By wrapping in plastic, the shelf life of a food product can be extended so reducing the food waste. Food spoilage and waste can have an even bigger footprint than the single use film. I am not saying that single use film is great, no. It is a pollutant, but it is extremely important as well to take into account the food wastage that may otherwise occur. Food packaging is just a small part of the whole footprint of the product.
All aluminum is bad
After plastic, aluminum is very much frowned upon. Almost 75% of all aluminum is still in circulation which goes along with the thought process that it is infinitely recyclable. The problem has always been though, that it is very energy intensive to recycle to creating a large carbon footprint. However, there is a focus now on low energy aluminum which is produced using clean energy processes. So making the carbon footprint less. This is a great example of a sustainable future and a super weapon in the fight against climate change according to a UK former climate and energy minister.
I know it is hard to take from this one clear message. Yes, plastic is bad, but it it not always the worse option and can be recycled, in the right way and we need to try and prevent it from reaching the oceans. The best we can do in general is juts to overall consume less and be more mindful or what we are buying and how. Everything we can do will have an affect on our planet and oceans. That is what we are trying to save.
