November 2023

Ebadon and Rising Seas: Building a Climate-Change Research Station

Gathering dead coral, which was used along with coconut shells as part of the cement for the building of the research station.
Gathering dead coral, which was used along with coconut shells as part of the cement for the building of the research station.

The distant northwestern Pacific island of Ebadon is one of the most pristine locations left on earth. It is also facing rapid and imminent destruction from increasing storm surge and overwash events driven by man-made climate change. The people of Ebadon, who contribute the least to climate change, will be among the first to be driven from their ancestral lands because of it.

A quick pass into view.

Enigmatic world of shark and ray behaviour unveiled

Elasmobranchs have become lucrative targets with the depletion of traditional fish stocks and the surge in the shark fin trade. Although, in recent decades, much scientific evidence has challenged traditional misconceptions, stereotyped media portrayals persist, and they hinder conservation efforts. So, this special issue was created to highlight the complex behaviour and cognition of sharks and rays.

Wellness Retreats: Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body While Traveling

Wellness retreats are more than simply a vacation; they benefit both the mind and the body. People can escape daily life and focus on self-care, introspection, and personal growth through these immersive activities. Yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and nutritious eating are used in wellness retreats to recharge, reduce stress, improve fitness, and teach good living skills. Choose a retreat that suits your needs and preferences to begin a transformative and renewing journey to total well-being.

Getting Involved in the Communities That You May Visit on Scuba Trips

Scuba divers are among a growing group of individuals who have the unique privileges to vista, see, and interact with some of the most beautiful places on the planet. While most everyone can certainly appreciate the marvels of nature in a variety of ways, scuba divers get to see things from a very different perspective: up close and in person underwater!

Research shows how green sea turtles are affected by pollution.

Pollution aggravates gender imbalance of green sea turtles

In the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef, hundreds of female green sea turtles are born for every male, as a result of climate change. A study has found that pollution may further worsen this gender bias, pushing the species closer to extinction. 

Published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, the findings describe how exposure to heavy metals like cadmium and antimony and certain organic contaminants can cause more female green sea turtles to be born.

Key Considerations For Creating Impactful Diving Training Guides

Whether it's the vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, mysterious underwater caves, or the tranquility that comes from being submerged in nature's watery embrace, diving offers unparalleled experiences. However, the transition from land to underwater is not as simple as taking a plunge. It demands preparation, knowledge, and respect for both the sport and the marine environment. Diving training guides play a key role in this journey, serving as the bridge between enthusiasm and educated action.

Some of the coral bleaching that took place more than 90 metres before the ocean surface, in the Central Indian Ocean.

Ocean temperature rise caused coral bleaching at depths over 90m

In November 2019, researchers from University of Plymouth recorded unexpected evidence of coral bleaching more than 90 metres below the ocean surface. 

Describing their discovery as a "huge surprise," Dr Phil Hosegood, Associate Professor in Physical Oceanography at the University of Plymouth and lead on the project, said: "Deeper corals had always been thought of as being resilient to ocean warming, because the waters they inhabit are cooler than at the surface and were believed to remain relatively stable."