Ocean Life
Photo by Ryan Pernofski
-
Guardians of the Reef: The Importance of Herbivore Fish in Coral Reef Health
Coral reefs, rainforests of the sea, are magnificent and diverse ecosystems teeming with life. Within this underwater wonderland, herbivore fish emerge as unsung heroes, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance that sustains these vibrant reefs. Remarkable creatures like parrotfish and surgeonfish serve as nature’s custodians, diligently preserving the health of coral reefs…
-
The Vital Role of Lobsters and Conchs in Reef Ecosystems
Corals often steal the spotlight for being visually stunning while also playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of our oceans. But there are other fascinating creatures that also significantly support the vitality of the underwater wonderland. Among them, lobsters and conchs stand out as key players. Why Lobsters and Conchs? Lobsters are found…
-
The Mysteries of “Misbehaving” Coral Reefs
Hold on to your scuba masks because we’ve got some wild news for you—coral reefs are misbehaving! That’s right, underwater communities are breaking all the rules and thriving in unexpected conditions. Our field teams are studying these reefs across the globe—from Tela Bay, Honduras to Hilo, Hawaii. Maybe they’re onto something. Could these misbehaving coral…
-
The Vital Link: Why Water Quality Matters for Coral Reefs
Coral reefs, the vibrant and diverse underwater ecosystems, are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also vital for the health of our oceans. These magnificent structures teem with life, providing habitats for countless marine species. However, their survival is intrinsically tied to one crucial factor: water quality. Let’s explore the dynamic connection between water quality and…
-
The Dynamic Connection Between Sea Turtles and Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing a habitat for countless marine species. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of coral reefs is the sea turtle. Through their feeding habits and behaviors, sea turtles have developed a remarkable symbiotic relationship with coral reefs. Let’s…
-
How Do Corals Reproduce? And What Can We Do to Keep Them Healthy?
Like the birds and the bees, corals also need to reproduce and continue to build upon the colorful reefs that we know and love. But have you ever wondered how the coral animal reproduces? After all, it can’t move and it doesn’t have any reproductive organs. Let’s take a look at exactly how new coral…
-
Marvel at Awe-Inspiring Designs from CORAL’s Digital Ocean Art Gallery
There’s no question about it—the ocean inspires us. It inspires us to protect its unique and diverse underwater creatures. It inspires us to support the millions of people that rely on the ocean’s food, medicines, and economic opportunities. And it inspires us to continue believing in the strength and reliance of the ocean’s coral reef…
-
The Smell You Can’t Ignore: What Sargassum Is and Why It’s Taking Over Caribbean Beaches
Do you smell that?It’s the unmistakable stench of rotting eggs, drifting as far as half a mile inland from parts of the Caribbean coastline. That smell is hydrogen sulfide, and it’s the unpleasant calling card of massive sargassum blooms now washing up on beaches across Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and other parts of the Mesoamerican Reef…
-
Blacktips and Whitetips and Silvertips, Oh My!
Day 7 of our underwater journey celebrating coral reefs ends with the apex predator and their value to coral reefs worldwide: reef sharks. Sharks are commonly misunderstood and widely feared. These remarkable animals, however, are valuable to the tourism industry and the economic health of coral reef destinations. A report from the Australian Institute of…