Celebrating Traditional Marine Management Practices Across the Pacific Islands

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On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize the invaluable contributions that Indigenous communities have made to marine conservation worldwide. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Pacific Islands, where for millennia, communities have practiced sustainable marine management through traditional systems such as kapu in Polynesia, tabu in Fiji, bul in Micronesia, and ra’ui in the Cook Islands. These ancient practices reflect a deep understanding of the environment and a commitment to protecting marine resources for future generations.

Introducing a New Teacher’s Guide: “Ecosystems of The Bahamas”

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We are thrilled to announce that our partners, Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS), have launched Ecosystems of The Bahamas, the newest teacher’s guide highlighting the Bahamian environment. Designed for use in high school classrooms, Ecosystems of The Bahamas contains background information, labs, and classroom activities that comprehensively cover the major Bahamian ecosystems, highlighting key species, ecosystem services, threats, and conservation measures. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud that a couple of our lesson plans on mangrove forests are included in this teacher’s guide, which will be used in high school science classrooms across the country.

Saudi Red Sea Authority Partners with the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

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We are thrilled to announce a significant new partnership between the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA). This collaboration marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to advance marine conservation and promote sustainable marine tourism in the Saudi Arabian Red Sea.

The partnership was officially established today with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The signing ceremony was attended by prominent representatives from both organizations, including Mr. Mohammed Al-Nasser, CEO of SRSA, and HRH Princess Hala bint Khaled bin Sultan Al-Saud, president of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation.

Planning a new Marine Protected Area in the Chagos Archipelago

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Mauritius, with the support of the Zoological Society of London, hosted a workshop from 27th- 29th of February intended to allow scientists and practitioners from different parts of the world to interact with Mauritian scientists and relevant stakeholders and exchange knowledge to inform the planning, implementation, management, and financing of a proposed MPA in the Chagos Archipelago. KSLOF was invited to participate in this event and gave expert advice on 1) a strategic plan and vision for the new Chagos MPA, 2) the identification of new data inputs for zoning, marine spatial planning, ecological monitoring, and identifying technologies for illegal fishing enforcement, and 3) the importance of documenting cultural heritage and traditional ecological knowledge to integrate across the planning process….

Nurturing Innovation and Community Connection at UC Berkeley’s Gump Research Station

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In the heart of Moorea Island in French Polynesia, a recent workshop at UC Berkeley’s Gump Research Station set the stage for a potentially transformative endeavor. Hosted by Gump Station, this gathering was dedicated to fostering a dynamic collaboration between scientists and the local community. The goal? To inform the creation of an ‘Innovation Hub’ that bridges the gap between research and the people it ultimately serves.

The event brought together over 30 people from around the world with an interest in working with the environment and people of French Polynesia. Participants included an eclectic mix of scientists, funders, representatives from nonprofit and community outreach organizations, and prominent members of the local community. The Foundation’s Chief Communications Officer, Liz Thompson, attended and shared some ideas about what the Innovation Hub could be and how it could be structured to benefit both the people and the marine environment of Moorea. The workshop succeeded in bringing together diverse minds united by a shared passion for combining science and outreach for conservation…

Coral Bleaching

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Coral reef bleaching has been in the headline news this past summer, as it was the hottest three-month period on record. As ocean temperatures soared to 32°C (90°F) around the Florida Keys and the Caribbean, coral reefs were way past their temperature threshold and started to bleach. But what happens when a coral bleaches?

Coral bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs when coral polyps expel the symbiotic (mutually beneficial) algae called zooxanthellae from their tissues, causing the corals to lose their color and turn white or pale. These algae provide the corals with essential nutrients through photosynthesis and contribute to their vibrant colors. When coral polyps expel the zooxanthellae, it not only leads to the loss of color but also affects the overall health and survival of the coral reefs…