Save the Ocean Life and Save Earth

How Things Got So Bad for the Great Barrier Reef One of the world's greatest wonder is on the verge of complete collapse. What happened? By  Avery Thompson Oct 25, 2018 GETTY IMAGES  DANIEL OSTERKAMP A Carnival Cruise Line ship accidentally  spilling more than 7,000 gallons  of wastewater in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef is a catastrophic event by any measure, but if you consider the full picture of human toll on this fragile ecosystem, it's tragically unexceptional: A recent  study  found that half the corals in the reef had died over the last two years. Another found that the reef will  likely disappear completely over the next few decades . So how are humans destroying such a sprawling natural feature? And is it already too late to save it? Threats From All Sides A section of the Great Barrier Reef still vibrant with life.   GETTY IMAGES  DANIELA DIRSCHERL The Great Barrier Reef has been around in some form for  nearly half...

Allergies, Glaciers, Pikas: Climate Change in Action Seas rising, wildfires spreading, allergies increasing: Climate change is measurable globally. By  Associated Press , Wire Service Content   June 19, 2018, at 11:17 a.m. SETH BORENSTEIN, AP  Science Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — You don't just feel the heat of global warming, you can see it in action all around. Some examples of where climate change's effects have been measured: Glaciers across the globe are melting and retreating, with 279 billion tons of ice lost since 2002, according to NASA's GRACE satellite. Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland is flowing faster than any other glacier on Earth. In 2012, it hit a record pace of about 75 inches per hour (1.9 meters). In 2017, it slowed down to 40 inches per hour (1 meter). The Portage Glacier in  Alaska  has retreated so much it cannot be seen from the visitor center that opened in 1986. In the Rocky Mountains, the first robins of spring are arriving 10.5 da...

7 reasons why we're lucky to have sharks As Tracy Jordan famously said, 'Live every week like it's Shark Week.'   RUSSELL MCLENDON  July 22, 2018, 11:20 a.m. A lemon shark pup navigates through mangrove trees in the Bahamas. (Photo: Shane Gross/Shutterstock) Sharks are widely respected by people, but that doesn't always mean their presence is appreciated. We tend to focus on the small chance of being bitten, overlooking the valuable benefits these ancient fish have to offer. Of more than 375 known shark species, only about 30 are known to have attacked a human, and even these species pose little risk overall. Millions of people enter the ocean every year, yet the global yearly average for unprovoked shark attacks is 75, fewer than 10 of which are fatal. The odds of a shark attack are roughly 1 in 11 million, much lower than other beach hazards like rip currents, lightning or boats. Sharks, on the other hand, have very good reasons to fear us. Humans kill an est...

Worth Protecting: See the Vibrant Marine Life of New Caledonia’s Coral Sea Photos show the diverse and beautiful species along world’s second-longest barrier reef July 12, 2018 By:    Christophe Chevillon   &   Aline Schaffer The diverse ecosystems in New Caledonia’s marine waters—including this reef wall in Chesterfield plateau, 500 kilometers west of the country’s main island—contain thousands of marine species, including damselfish and 48 species of sharks. Ten years ago, the lagoons of New Caledonia—a huge area of ocean containing several coral reefs and associated ecosystems—earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The staggering biodiversity of this area, which includes islands and coastline, features brilliant, healthy corals and thousands of species of plants and animals found nowhere else. The wealth of New Caledonia’s marine life extends well beyond its lagoons. In an effort to conserve the country’s natural ecosystems, the government cre...

World Oceans Day And Mind-Blowing Facts About The Blue Planet BY  SHANE CROUCHER ON 6/8/18 AT 11:03 AM It’s World Oceans Day on Friday June 8, an event coordinated by The Ocean Project, and its goal is to get the world talking about the perilous state of oceans. Around 2,000 organizations are involved with The Ocean Project, including aquariums, zoos and museums. Their focus for World Oceans Day 2018? “Preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean,” according to the official website. Plastic pollution is a huge problem in our oceans. Waste plastic created by humans finds its way into the water, contaminating and killing the wealth of life within it. Ocean campaigners are pushing for governments to take responsibility for the state of our waters before the current crisis gets any worse. To mark World Oceans Day 2018, here are some mind-blowing and alarming facts about the ocean that should both inspire and worry you. Plastic bottles and...

WWF Home to over 25% of all marine life on the planet, our coral reefs are vital for the ecosystem. However without urgent action to address climate change, pollution, overfishing amongst other threats, we could stand to lose them. Be a part of the change we need to save our home and spread the word on saving our coral reefs today. Tell us how you will  # Connect2Earth  today! https://www.worldwildlife.org/ SHARE ON: