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Marine Life & Conservation

Soft Coral May Help Protect Coral Reefs Against Climate Change, Say Researchers

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There is no doubt that climate change is having a severe impact on the world’s coral reefs, threatening the stability of both the oceanic eco-systems where they are found as well as nearby coasts. Now, a recent discovery by researchers from Israel may help pinpoint a way to help protect the massive underwater structures as waters grow warmer and more acidic in the coming years.

“We know the value of reefs, the massive calcium carbonate constructions that act as wave breakers, and protect against floods, erosion, hurricanes, and typhoons,” Yehuda Benayahu, the Israel Cohen Chair in Environmental Zoology at Tel Aviv University, said. “While alive, they provide habitats for thousands of living organisms, from sea urchins to clams, algae to fish. Reefs are also economically important in regions like Eilat or the Caribbean.”

The problem is, as the oceans absorb carbon dioxide emissions and become more acidic due to global warming, the calcium coral structures, composed mostly of stony coral, may eventually dissolve, putting the underwater habitat of many species at risk.

Yet the Israeli researchers have found that coral reefs may have a natural defense against acidification – soft coral.

Soft coral is not all that useful in forming coral reefs because it takes longer to calcify. It may, however, provide a protective armor that allows the reef to survive changing water conditions.

“We really wanted to know if something could survive dropping pH levels in the future,” TAU graduate student Yasmin Gabay explained. “I was curious as to whether coral tissue could protect the inner coral skeleton, which is of most use in terms of reef construction, so I conducted an experiment using live soft corals and soft coral skeletons, which were placed in tanks containing ocean water with manipulated pH levels.”

The result was even when subjected to higher and lower pH levels, the soft coral survived.

“We found that the soft coral’s tissue may indeed protect the skeleton from declining pH levels,” Gabay said. “The organism’s internal environment apparently has a mechanism that protects against the acidic conditions.”

Benayahu stressed that while his team’s research is definitely a step in the right direction, it is still unknown how much soft coral can protect the reefs and what will happen if only soft coral manage to survive.

“A reef is like an orchestra. Many organisms interact to create harmony,” Benayahu pointed out, stressing the complexity of the problem facing the reefs in the coming years. “Thousands of species live together and create life together. It is hard to predict what will happen if only soft corals survive, because they simply do not calcify at same rate that stony corals do.”

 

Source: www.jspacenews.com

Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust Launches New Podcast

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shark trust

The Shark Trust has launched their new podcast. Delve behind the scenes and gain exclusive insights in the world of shark and ray conservation on The Shark Trust Podcast. Out Now!

Join the Shark Trust on this journey as they explore the diverse world of sharks. Hear from experts from different backgrounds and learn how you can become a part of the global effort to protect these vital species.

Whether you’re a seasoned shark expert or just dipping your toes beneath the surface, this podcast offers something for everyone!

shark trust

In the first series you will hear from the Shark Trust team. Shark Trust Patrons, Monty Halls, Miranda Krestovnikoff and Simon Rogerson. Divers with a passion for sharks. And some of the Oceanic 31 artists.

New episodes released every two weeks on all major podcast platforms and watch full video versions on the Shark Trust YouTube Channel. Keep your eyes peeled for the bonus minisodes!

There are two available to dive into right now!

Episode 1: Dive beneath the waves of shark and ray conservation with Mark as he speaks with Paul Cox, CEO of the Shark Trust. Paul and Mark discuss the threats and difficulties that sharks and rays currently face in the modern world. And how the Shark Trust is working to create a better future for them!

Bonus Minisode: Join Mark at Go Diving, the UK’s biggest dive show. He interviews Shark Trust Patron, Simon Rogerson, about his diving experiences and how seeing sharks can transform your life!

For more information about the work of the Shark Trust, visit their website here.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by few nights with Sharks next month at some really great rates with Seas4Life (Watch Video)

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sardine run

An Exclusive, Expert Led, One-Off experience…

For just a few short weeks each year – end of May through to end of June – the mighty Sardine Run showcases the epic efforts of supreme marine predators working in unison to feed off the migrating sardines in a most dynamic flurry of action. End of June early July is also when the shark season begins – just imagine it is a David Attenbourgh Blue Planet experience.

In case this natural wonder wasn’t exciting enough – majestic humpback whales just happen to start their annual migration back up north adding to this phenomenal experience.

Its a must for the adventurous soul.. Lots of love, laughter, and smiles.

sardine run

This is a feeding event of unmatched proportions. Thousands of common dolphin charge after the shoals, separating them into bait balls, with their ‘dolphin bubble technique’, bring them to the surface. Watched from the air by the cape gannets, who then launch a massive aerial assault on the sardines. They are also easy pickings for shivers of bronze whaler, dusky and black tip sharks, seals and lastly the huge mouths of Brydes (Brooders) whale that can consume an entire bait ball in one single lunge!

sardine run

Seas4Life is offering an incredible deal for this year’s Sardine Run. Here are the details:

Date: June 23rd – July 2nd 2024

Type: Family, group, couples, solo travellers. Min of 4 pax – max 8 pax

Location: South Africa

Nights: 9 nights/10 days

Rates originally started at USD$9,705 per person 9 Nights PP, based on 5 pax on the trip. However, you can now experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by some seriously unforgettable shark action for just USD$7,100 per person.

sardine run

Includes:

  • 5 night stay at Gulu Game Reserve (23rd – 28th June)
  • 4 night stay at Africa Oceans Manor (28th June– 2nd July)
  • 9 nights fully catered stay with breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
  • Welcome drinks and selected alcohol (local beers, wines and spirits)
  • 4 Sardine Run Days and 3 full Shark Research Days – 1 morning being with Great White
    sharks
  • Guiding by expert marine conservationists, shark specialists and ocean enthusiasts
  • Transfers to and from the airports and to and from the launch base and hotels; and on 28th June from Gulu Game Reserve to African Oceans Manor along the Southern African Coastline and parts of the Garden Route
  • Privately chartered 26 foot (8m) semi-rigid dive boat (South African Maritime Safety Authority, licensed to travel up to 40 Nautical miles offshore) with two 140hp motors
  • Snorkelling and scuba diving gear
  • All activities as outlined in the itinerary
  • Use of Gulu Private Resort and African Oceans Manor facilities including rejuvenating in their spa, use of the pool, playing tennis, hiking or fishing… (these will be charged separately if used)
  • Marine conservation contribution to the shark research unit
  • Offsetting your carbon through Planet Moja
  • AMREF
  • Lead shark scientist Nico, sardine run expertise of ScubaXursions
  • Julie as lead guide
  • Lots of smiles, laughter and many memories made

sardine run

Excludes:

  • International flights
  • Visas and taxes (airport, government and tourist)
  • Scuba diving, free diving and underwater photography courses
  • Alcoholic drinks (unless stated) champagne, luxury spirits and selected wines
  • Activities not outlined above
  • All photographic gear
  • DAN Insurance, Scuba and/or photographic gear insurance
  • All additional park and/or conservancy fees if applicable
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

For more information or to book, contact Seas4Life now:

info@seas4life.com / +254 723 639 640 / seas4life.com

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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