Science

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

Happy World Penguin Day! 🐧 Say hello to the Gentoo penguin, the fastest swimmer of all penguins, reaching up to 36 km/h! Found on sub-Antarctic islands, they rely on healthy oceans for survival. As climate change and plastic pollution threaten their habitat, protecting our marine ecosystems has never been more important. Let’s keep their waters wild. #WorldPenguinDay #GentooPenguin #MarineConservation #ProtectOurOceans

Loe Bar, Cornwall — a rare shingle bank where freshwater meets sea. This natural barrier protects the Loe, Cornwall’s largest natural lake, from the Atlantic. It’s home to unique coastal and marine life — but it’s fragile. Protecting places like this means preserving biodiversity, preventing erosion, and keeping our coastlines wild. #LoeBar #Cornwall #CoastalConservation #MarineConservation #ProtectOurOceans #NatureNeedsYou #LeaveNoTrace

The Legend of the Bedruthan Steps Legend has it a giant named Bedruthan once used these towering rock stacks as stepping stones across the bay. Though likely a Victorian invention to charm tourists, the story adds a mythical layer to this rugged stretch of Cornish coast. Today, Bedruthan is more than just legend—it's a powerful reminder of the wild beauty of the coastline and the importance of protecting it for future generations. #BedruthanSteps #CoastalConservation #Cornwall #ProtectWhatYouLove