Opinion

Can you spot the stonefish? 👀 One of the ocean’s masters of camouflage — and also one of the most venomous fish in the world. Stonefish lie completely still on the seafloor, blending perfectly with their surroundings until an unsuspecting fish or shrimp swims by. In a split second, they strike — opening their jaws and vacuuming up their prey faster than the blink of an eye. #Stonefish #MarineLife #OceanConservation #CamouflageKing #OceanIssues

Ghost nets are a global problem These abandoned fishing nets drift through the ocean, trapping marine life, damaging reefs, and polluting our seas for decades. In Crete, Giorgios and Ioanna from Salty Descents Dive Center are always on the lookout. When conditions allow, they carefully remove ghost nets to help protect the marine environment. Every net removed is a step toward healthier oceans. #GhostNets #OceanIssues #DiveForChange #SaltyDescents #OceanProtection

Love for Puffins - and for the Ocean Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, diving for fish and braving harsh ocean conditions.  But these iconic seabirds are now listed as Vulnerable. Their decline is driven by climate change, overfishing, and pollution—threats that affect all marine life, not just puffins. Protecting puffins means protecting the ocean. Their survival depends on healthy, balanced marine ecosystems.  At Just One Ocean, we’re all about protecting marine life, and that includes puffins. Our puffin apparel lets you spark conversation about ocean conservation.  #JustOneOcean #OceanIssues #PuffinProtection #OceanConservation

Small Change, Big Impact It’s estimated that over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and half of it is designed for single use. That waste ends up in our oceans, choking marine life and damaging the ecosystems we all depend on. But there is another way. By choosing products made from natural, plastic-free materials, we can start to turn the tide on pollution. This World Ocean Day, we’re making it easier to take that step.  #worldoceanday #endfastfashion #pollution @teemillstore

First-year marine science students got hands-on experience in coastal species ID this week with support from Dr. David Jones, CEO of Just One Ocean 🌍 The session took place at the iconic Lulworth Cove—a stunning natural classroom shaped by wave diffraction over thousands of years. Incredible to see future marine scientists starting their journey in such an inspiring setting. #MarineScience #LulworthCove #Fieldwork #CoastalEcology #MarineBiology #OceanEducation

In Newquay Harbour, the most commonly observed seal species is the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus).  Grey seals are notable for their large size and distinctive features. They possess long, sloping faces and a robust build. Grey seals spend a significant portion of their time at sea but can often be seen hauled out on rocks or beaches around Newquay. Grey seals are protected under UK law. The UK is home to roughly 40% of the world’s grey seal population, with many pupping sites in Scotland, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. This makes UK-based conservation efforts critical to the global survival of the species. Groups like Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust help protect these amazing animals through research and community action. #newquayharbour #greyseal #conservation #marinelifeUK @cornwallsealgroupresearchtrust

Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), known for their olive-colored shells and mass nesting events called arribadas, hatch on the beaches of San Pancho and instinctively crawl toward the ocean. Thanks to local conservation programs, many of these vulnerable hatchlings are protected and safely released, giving them a better chance to survive and return as adults. #SanPancho #TortugasMarinas #OliveRidley #Conservation #Nayarit #worldturtleday 🐢

Wading birds and healthy seas — it’s all connected. In Rio Lagartos, mangroves provide essential habitat for birds like herons, egrets, and flamingos. But these coastal forests do more than support wildlife above (and in) the water — they also protect the marine environment by filtering runoff, preventing erosion, and providing nursery grounds for fish and other sea life. Protecting mangroves means protecting ocean ecosystems. Conservation helps the whole coast thrive. #RioLagartos #MangroveConservation #WadingBirds #MarineEcosystems #ProtectNature

Each year, thousands of Caribbean flamingos 🦩 (Phoenicopterus ruber) nest in the wetlands of Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, the largest colony in North America. The thriving population is a powerful indicator of healthy coastal ecosystems. Behind the scenes, ongoing conservation efforts protect this critical habitat: Mangrove preservation and restoration Protection of endangered sea turtle nesting sites Monitoring of bird populations Community engagement in sustainable practices Flamingos depend on clean, healthy wetlands to feed and raise their young. Protecting places like Río Lagartos doesn’t just help one species—it safeguards an entire web of marine and coastal life. #Oceanissues #MarineConservation #Flamingos #RíoLagartos #CoastalEcosystems #ConservationWorks