The Shute Festival is a delightful literary based event held in the small village of Shute in Devon. Speakers from various backgrounds are invited to speak and we were delighted to be asked to talk about ocean sustainability and plastic pollution. It is a very informal relaxed event and well worth going to. Look out for it next year.
š A master of disguise in action.
Octopuses are among the most remarkable animals in the ocean, able to change both their colour and skin texture in an instant. As they move across the reef, they blend seamlessly with their surroundings to avoid predators, ambush prey, and conserve energy.
Octopuses play a vital role in healthy marine ecosystems. As intelligent mid-level predators, they help regulate populations of crabs, molluscs, and other invertebrates, maintaining the natural balance of reef communities.
They are also an important food source for sharks, groupers, moray eels, and many other marine animals, making them a key link in the ocean food web.
#ProtectOurOceans #oceanconservation #healthyecosystems #justoneocean
6 days ago
Hawksbill turtles are often seen nibbling around coral reefsābut theyāre not actually eating the coral itself. Their favorite food is sponges, which compete with corals for space.
Hawksbills help coral reefs stay healthy and diverse by keeping sponge populations in check. It's one of the many ways these critically endangered turtles play a vital role in ocean ecosystems.
#hawksbillturtles #oceanecosystems #IUCN #critacallyendangered
3 weeks ago
Some powerful opening statements at the official opening of the 11th Our Ocean conference particularly from Governor of Mombasa and Sec. John Kerry. "We have no excuses. The situation is due to our greed and ignorance." "It is not a future problem, it is a present reality."
#OOC11 #blueeconomy
4 weeks ago
Fast and powerful, the Great Barracuda plays a crucial role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. As a top predator, it helps maintain balance by controlling fish populations, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to resilient reefs.
When predators like barracudas thrive the entire ecosystem benefit. Their presence is a sign of a functioning food web and a resilient marine environment.
Protecting species at the top of the food chain helps safeguard the countless plants and animals that live below them.
#JustOneOcean #GreatBarracuda #OceanConservation #MarineLife #HealthyOceans
1 month ago
HelpĀ track invasive, non-native marine species and protect UK coastal wildlife!
Join The Rock Pool Project for National BioBlitz 2026, a week of discovery, biodiversity recording and citizen science across the UK! To take part, choose the day that works for you between 23-31 May, head to your local rocky shore, explore the rock pools, and record what you find using the iNaturalist app.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.therockpoolproject.co.uk/national-bioblitz
2 months ago
A very happy birthday to Sir David Attenborough. A man who has dedicated his life to preserving the natural world.
2 months ago
Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge šāāļø
Beautiful coastal scenery, fresh sea air, a brilliantly organized event, and a beautiful route. Photos also capture the striking signs of coastal erosion along the way.
The weather didnāt quite cooperate the entire weekend ābut that just makes the challenge even more memorable. š§ļø
#Ultrachallenge #IsleOfWight #CoastalScenery #CoastalErosion
2 months ago
Mobula rays are known for their dramatic breachesāleaping clear out of the water and landing with a loud splash. An incredible sight, but scientists are still figuring out exactly why they do it.
Some of the leading ideas:
ā¢ Communication
ā¢ Parasite removal
ā¢ Courtship behavior
ā¢ Social or play behavior
While the behavior is still a mystery, the threats they face are not. Mobula rays are vulnerable to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat pressures. Protecting them helps maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
Thanks you Barna at @encounters_tours for the wonderful images.
#MobulaRays #OceanConservation #MarineLife
2 months ago
A day at the beach ā but with purpose š
Students from the @portsmouthuni School of the Environment and Life Sciences recently took their learning to the coastline, combining fieldwork with real-world impact.
While participating on a Professional Skills Field Course in Malta, some of the students took part in biodiversity research above the shoreline, while others undertook microplastic sampling, contributing valuable data to the Big Microplastic Survey. Between navigating busy beaches and soaking up some sun, they collected meaningful data for both their academic reports and a global citizen science database.
This is exactly what hands-on environmental education should look like ā practical, relevant, and impactful.
For universities planning coastal field trips, the Big Microplastic Survey is a simple and powerful way to:
* Engage students in real scientific research
* Contribute to ongoing marine conservation efforts
* Add purpose and structure to time spent in the field
If you are a higher education establishment and interested in incorporating the Big Microplastic Survey into any of your marine or environmental programmes, we would love to hear from you.Ā
#University #marinescience
#JustOneOcean @microplasticsurvey #Fieldwork #CitizenScience
3 months ago
